Post Operative Instructions following Restorations/Fillings

Dear Patient,

Today, you received a dental filling, to help ensure proper healing and comfort after your procedure, please read and follow the instructions below.

1. Numbness and Sensation

  • The anesthetic used during your procedure can take 1 to 3 hours to wear off. Avoid chewing, eating hot foods, or drinking hot beverages until full feeling returns to avoid accidental biting or burning of your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
  • Children should be supervised closely until the numbness wears off, as they may chew on their numb lips or cheeks without realizing it.

2. Eating After a Filling

  • White/tooth-colored (composite) fillings are fully set when you leave the office, but you may still want to wait until the numbness is gone before eating to avoid injury.
  • Avoid very hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24 hours, especially if multiple fillings were done.

3. Sensitivity or Discomfort

  • Some sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure is common after a filling, especially in deeper cavities or where the nerve was close to the decay.
  • This sensitivity should gradually decrease over several days to weeks and sometimes months. If it worsens or does not improve, please contact our office.
  • Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage any soreness unless contraindicated.

4. Your Bite May Feel Different

  • If your bite feels “off” or uneven once the numbness wears off, call us. A high filling can cause tooth or jaw discomfort and may need to be adjusted with a quick visit.
  • Do not wait too long to have this corrected, as it can lead to more serious problems like jaw pain or cracked teeth.

5. Oral Hygiene

  • Resume your normal brushing and flossing routine immediately after the procedure.
  • Keeping the area clean will help prevent future decay around the filling.

6. When to Call Us

Please contact our office if you experience any of the following:

  • Prolonged pain that lasts more than a few days or gets worse
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Sensitivity that does not gradually improve
  • Cracked or lost filling
  • Swelling, fever, or signs of infection

Questions? We’re Here for You!

📞 610-867-7112
🌐 newstreetdentalpa.com Thank you for choosing New Street Dental for your dental care. We’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy and comfortable smile!