Fillings. Post Operative Instructions

Amalgam or silver fillings: You shouldn’t chew directly on the new fillings for the first 24 hours.

Composite or tooth-colored fillings: You may chew as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

• When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid hot beverages and use caution when chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
• Children should be observed until the anesthetic wears off. Due to the strange feeling of the anesthetic, many children will chew the inside of their lips, cheeks, or tongue which can cause serious damage.
• As with natural teeth, avoid chewing excessively hard foods on the filled teeth (hard candy, ice, etc.).
• If you feel like your bite is “off” or is not correctly balanced (sore, painful, or strange to chew in that area) please call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
• Sensitivity to cold, extreme temperature changes, and pressure is common for a few weeks following a dental restoration. Usually, the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth will be. Ibuprofen (Motrin™, Advil™), Tylenol™ or aspirin work well to alleviate the tenderness. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity increases, contact our office.
• The gum tissue near the filling could have been irritated after the procedure and sore for a few days. The anesthetic injection site may also be sore.
• The finished restoration may be contoured slightly different and have a different texture than the original tooth. Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference, but you will become accustomed to this in a few days.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call the office.