Getting a tooth filling is a routine dental procedure, but what happens after you leave the dental office is just as important as the procedure itself. While a dental filling procedure restores the health of your tooth, how you care for it in the following days will determine your comfort and long-term oral health. From experiencing tooth sensitivity to knowing when to contact your dentist, there are several dos and don’ts after tooth filling procedure that can help you recover quickly and avoid complications. Let’s dive into what you should (and shouldn’t) do after getting a filling.
What to Expect After a Tooth Filling?
Once your local anaesthetic wears off, you might experience mild to moderate discomfort or tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, chewy foods, or even highly acidic foods. Some people may feel physical pain if they accidentally bite their cheek or tongue while the numbness is still present.
Other common post-filling experiences include:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes (especially with cold foods or hot drinks)
- A slight ache or discomfort while chewing
- A feeling that your bite is uneven (which may require an adjustment)
- Gum soreness or swelling decrease over the next few days
These symptoms typically subside up to two weeks after the procedure, but if they persist, it’s essential to contact your dentist.
Dos After a Tooth-Filling
Now that you know what to expect, let’s talk about what you should do after a cavity filling to speed up healing and avoid complications.
Wait Until the Numbness Wears Off Before Eating
After the dental filling procedure, your mouth may still be numb for a few hours. Eating while your local anaesthetic is still in effect could cause physical pain if you accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip. It’s best to wait until the numbness has fully worn off before eating.
Choose Soft Foods That Require Minimal Chewing
Stick to foods that are gentle on your teeth and require minimal chewing, such as:
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Yoghurt
- Smoothies
- Cooked vegetables
These foods help prevent discomfort while allowing your tooth filling to settle.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintain Good Oral HygieneEven though your tooth may be sensitive, it’s still crucial to brush your teeth and floss regularly. Just be gentle around the filled tooth to avoid irritating the area. A dental hygiene appointment can also help ensure that your teeth remain in top condition after getting a filling.
Take Over-the-Counter Painkillers if Needed
If you’re dealing with moderate pain or a persistent toothache, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help ease the discomfort. However, if the pain persists beyond a few days, schedule a dental appointment to rule out complications.
Contact Your Dentist if Something Feels Off
If your filling feels too high, if you have prolonged tooth pain, or if you notice cracks in the filling, you should contact your dentist right away. Ignoring these issues can result in more severe problems, such as damage to the tooth’s pulp, which may require a root canal.
Don’ts After a Tooth Filling
While there are things you should do, there are also things you should avoid to prevent unnecessary pain or complications. Here’s what you should steer clear of.
Don’t Eat Sticky, Hard, or Chewy Foods Immediately
Avoid foods like:
- Chewy foods (gum, caramel, toffees)
- Sticky foods (peanut butter, dried fruits)
- Hard foods (nuts, chips, popcorn)
These can put pressure on your filling or even dislodge it, especially if you have composite white fillings or metal dental fillings.
Don’t Drink Extremely Hot or Cold Beverages
Right after the tooth filling procedure, your tooth may be extra sensitive. Hot or cold drinks like coffee, tea, or iced beverages can cause discomfort. It’s best to wait a few hours before consuming these.
Avoid Highly Acidic Foods
Highly acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings can irritate the filled tooth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity. If possible, avoid these until your discomfort subsides.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packets, bite fingernails, or break hard objects can damage your dental fillings and cause fractures. Protect your teeth by avoiding these bad habits.
Don’t Skip Your Follow-Up Appointment
If your dentist schedules a dental appointment to check your filling, don’t skip it! Follow-ups help ensure your filling is properly placed and functioning as it should.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While most people recover without issues, there are times when you should seek professional help. Contact your dentist if you experience:
- Persistent toothache lasting more than a few days
- Moderate discomfort that doesn’t improve with painkillers
- Pain and swelling increase instead of decrease
- Difficulty biting or chewing due to an uneven filling
- Cracks, chips, or dislodged fillings
If you experience any of these symptoms, a quick dental appointment can help prevent further complications.
Final Thoughts: Take Care of Your New Filling
Following these dos and don’ts after tooth filling will help you recover comfortably and ensure your dental fillings last for years to come. Brush your teeth, eat solid foods gradually, and avoid sticky foods or chewy foods that might damage the filling.
If discomfort lasts longer than expected, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Dental Care at (02) 6188 7103 —they’re there to help!
References
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental fillings. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings
Raypole, C. (n.d.). Dental anesthesia: Types, side effects, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
