Caring For Your New Filling
You have a fresh filling that restores the tooth and seals out decay. Most fillings feel back to normal quickly. A little care over the first day or two keeps everything comfortable while your tooth settles in.
The First Few Hours
- Wait on the numbness. Avoid chewing until it fully resolves so you do not bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
- Tooth-colored fillings are fully set right away. You can eat once the numbness is gone.
- Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days is normal as the tooth settles.
Comfort
- Sensitivity fades on its own, usually within a week or two.
- A sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne helps if cold bothers the tooth.
- Over-the-counter pain relief is plenty if you need it.
Eating
- Once numbness is gone, you can eat normally.
- Go easy on very hard or sticky foods on that side the first day if the tooth feels tender.
- Very hot and very cold may feel sharp at first. That settles.
Call Us If
- Your bite feels high or uneven once numbness wears off. This is a quick adjustment.
- Sensitivity or pain is getting worse after a week instead of better.
- You feel a sharp or rough edge bothering your tongue or cheek.
- Pain becomes sharp or lingering, or anything concerns you.
How To Make Your Filling Last
A filling protects the tooth, but the natural tooth around it can still get a new cavity at the edges. Keep those edges clean and your filling lasts for years.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to where the filling meets the tooth.
- Ease up on sugary and acidic drinks, which feed the bacteria that start new decay at the margins.
- Rinse with water anytime you have something sugary or acidic. It helps wash away bacteria and brings your mouth back to a healthy, non-acidic pH.
- Keep your regular cleanings and checkups so we catch any wear or new decay early, while it is still small.
Good daily habits are what make a filling go the distance!
Questions about your filling or your recovery? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
