Congratulations on taking care of your dental health! Getting a filling is one of the most common and effective ways to restore a damaged tooth and stop decay in its tracks. At Keep Smiling El Paso, we use high-quality composite (tooth-colored) fillings that bond directly to your tooth structure, providing a durable and natural-looking result.
Now that your appointment is over, you might be wondering what comes next. While fillings are a routine procedure, proper aftercare is essential to ensure comfort and longevity for your new restoration. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the next few hours and days as your tooth heals.
Navigating the Numbness
The first thing you will notice after leaving our office is that your lips, tongue, and the roof of your mouth may feel numb. This is the lingering effect of the local anesthetic we used to ensure you were comfortable during the procedure.
While it might feel funny, this numbness serves a purpose. However, it also requires you to be vigilant for a few hours.
Watch Your Mouth
When you cannot feel your mouth, it is surprisingly easy to accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue while talking or chewing. We recommend avoiding any heavy chewing until the sensation has completely returned to normal.
Temperature Control
Your natural heat sensors are temporarily “offline.” Avoid drinking hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot soup while you are numb. You could burn your soft tissues without even realizing it until the anesthetic wears off.
Special Care for Children
If your child has just received a filling, they need extra supervision during this numb period. To a child, the sensation of a “fat lip” or a “sleepy tongue” can be strange and confusing.
Many children will absentmindedly chew on, suck, or scratch at the numb area out of curiosity. This can cause significant swelling and tissue damage that becomes painful once the anesthesia wears off. Please keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t injure themselves.
Eating and Drinking
One of the great benefits of modern composite fillings is that they are fully hardened (cured) by the time you leave the dental chair. We use a special curing light to set the material instantly.
Can I Eat Right Away?
Technically, yes. Because the filling is set, you can chew on it immediately. However, we strongly advise waiting until the anesthetic completely wears off before eating a full meal. This prevents the accidental biting injuries mentioned above.
Foods to Avoid
Once the numbness is gone, you can return to a normal diet. However, treat your new filling with the same care you would give your natural teeth. To prevent fracturing the filling or your tooth, avoid chewing on excessively hard items, such as:
- Ice cubes
- Hard candies
- Popcorn kernels
- Nuts or hard pretzels
Managing Sensitivity
It is completely normal to experience some sensitivity after a dental restoration. You just had work done on a living tooth, and it needs time to settle down.
What to Expect
You may notice sensitivity to:
- Cold temperatures: Ice water or ice cream might cause a “zing.”
- Pressure: Biting down might feel slightly tender.
- Air: Breathing in cold air might be noticeable.
Generally, the deeper the cavity is, the more sensitive the tooth will be, and the longer it might take to heal. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few weeks.
Pain Relief
If you are uncomfortable, over-the-counter pain relievers work very well. Ibuprofen (Motrin™, Advil™), Tylenol™, or aspirin can help alleviate tenderness. If your sensitivity persists beyond a few days without improvement, or if it increases, please contact our office.
Checking Your Bite
We do our best to check your bite before you leave, but because you are numb, it can be difficult for you to tell if your teeth are coming together perfectly.
Once the anesthesia wears off, pay attention to how your teeth meet when you bite down. If the filling feels “high”—meaning it hits before your other teeth do—or if it feels strange or painful to chew in that specific area, your bite may need a simple adjustment.
Do not wait for it to “wear down.” Chewing on a high filling can bruise the ligament around the tooth and cause persistent soreness. Call us for a quick adjustment appointment; it takes just a few minutes and provides immense relief.
Gum Soreness and Texture
You may notice that your gums feel tender near the injection site or around the affected tooth. This is normal irritation from the procedure and usually heals within a few days. A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe the tissue.
Additionally, your tongue is incredibly sensitive to texture. It might magnify the smallest difference in the shape or smoothness of your new filling compared to your original tooth. This is common, and your tongue will typically get used to the new surface within a few days.
We Are Here to Help
Your comfort is our priority at Keep Smiling El Paso. If you have persistent pain, your bite feels uneven, or you have any questions about your recovery, please do not hesitate to call our office. Enjoy your restored, healthy smile!
