Care After Fillings

Local Anesthesia – Following local anesthesia, numbness will remain for a few hours. Be careful not to bite or chew the areas that are numb. Sometimes the areas injected may feel stiff or sore. If this occurs, warm liquids or moist hot pads are recommended to help with relief.

Eating – The fillings are set and you can eat right away.

Discomfort – It is not unusual to have some discomfort after fillings. For pain, take ibuprofen, and if you cannot take ibuprofen, use Tylenol.

Sensitivity – If your teeth are temperature sensitive, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. Temperature sensitivity is normal, and it should be temporary.

High Spots – If your bite feels uncomfortable, you may have a high spot on your filling. A high spot may cause continued discomfort, prolonged temperature sensitivity, or soreness of the jaw muscles. If you suspect a high spot, call our office to have the filling adjusted.

Home Care – Decay can still start on teeth that have been filled. Therefore, it is important to clean your teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and with floss. Also, reduce both the amount and the frequency of your intake of sugar-containing foods.

If you have any questions about your treatment, please do not hesitate to call our office.