Fillings
WHAT TO EXPECT…
- Ideally, after a filling, your tooth should feel completely normal.
- With composite (tooth-colored) fillings, you can resume normal activities as soon as you leave our office.
- With amalgam (silver) fillings, it takes 24 hours for the filling material to fully set. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the new filling for 24 hours.
- Occasionally, a tooth with a new filling may be sensitive (especially to cold) after the procedure. Any sensitivity should begin to subside within a few days.
- Occasionally, your gums may be tender at the local anesthesia injection site. If this occurs, rinse with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol or ibuprofen) may also be used, if needed.
CONTACT OUR OFFICE IF…
- Your bite feels unbalanced or your tooth begins to hurt after the anesthesia has worn off, the restoration may need a slight adjustment. Please contact our office.
FOLLOW-UP CARE…
- No follow-up care is needed after a filling.
- Regular preventative care is important to maintain oral health and to catch any problems while they are still small. We will make sure you are scheduled appropriately.
