A dental filling is a routine procedure used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. This restorative treatment helps to restore the tooth’s function and prevent further damage. Understanding the typical sensations and proper care following a dental filling can contribute to a smooth recovery.
What to Expect Immediately After
After a dental filling, the treated area will typically remain numb for a few hours due to the local anesthesia. This numbness typically lasts a few hours, though it can extend longer depending on the anesthetic. Be cautious while the area is numb to avoid accidentally biting the cheek, tongue, or lips.
You might experience some temporary sensitivity in the treated tooth once the anesthesia begins to wear off. This is common and generally subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth adjusts to the new filling. Mild soreness around the injection site or the tooth itself is also possible as the numbing agent dissipates.
Initially, your bite might feel slightly uneven or “off” after the filling. This can occur if the filling material is a bit too high and interferes with your natural bite. If this sensation persists after the numbness completely wears off, your dentist can usually make a minor adjustment to reshape the filling.
Caring for Your New Filling
Proper care for your new filling begins once the anesthesia has worn off. If you received a composite (tooth-colored) filling, you can generally eat as soon as the numbness subsides, as these fillings harden immediately under a special light. For amalgam (silver) fillings, it is often recommended to wait at least 24 hours before chewing on the filled side to allow the material to fully harden and reach maximum strength. Regardless of the filling type, it is best to avoid eating until the numbness completely disappears to prevent accidental injury to your mouth.
Initially, avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods on the filled side, as they can pressure the new filling. Foods like hard candies, nuts, ice, and sticky items should be limited. Avoiding very hot or cold foods and beverages can also help manage any lingering temperature sensitivity.
For any mild discomfort or soreness, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your jaw for about 20 minutes at a time can also help reduce swelling and pain. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important; continue to brush and floss regularly, but be gentle around the newly filled tooth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and carefully guiding floss between teeth without snapping it against the gums is recommended. Habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools should be avoided to protect the integrity of your filling.
Signs You Should Call Your Dentist
While some discomfort and sensitivity are normal after a filling, certain signs indicate contacting your dentist. Persistent or worsening pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medication is a cause for concern. Pain that lingers for an extended period after exposure to hot or cold stimuli, particularly if it worsens over weeks, requires a dental visit.
Contact your dentist immediately if the filling feels loose, cracked, or a portion has fallen out. Signs of a lost filling can include a sudden sharp pain, increased sensitivity, a noticeable hole or rough edge in the tooth, or food consistently getting trapped in the area. An uneven bite that causes significant discomfort when chewing and does not resolve after a few days also requires attention. Although rare, symptoms of an allergic reaction to the filling material, such as swelling, rash, or itching around the mouth, requires an immediate call to your dental office.