How to care for your teeth after a Filling: 7 Post-procedure tips

Healthy smile after a dental filling

Getting a dental filling is a simple and effective way to repair a tooth damaged by decay. At Maple Dental, we believe that informed patients are happy patients, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to take great care of your new filling. While the procedure itself is quick, the post-care routine is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your filling and maintaining your oral health.

We’ve put together seven essential tips to help you navigate the hours and days following your appointment. These simple steps will help you feel comfortable and confident, knowing you are doing everything right to protect your smile.

1. Wait until the numbness wears off to eat

This is one of the most important rules to follow after a filling. We use local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, this also means that your lip, tongue, and cheek on the side of the filling will be numb for a few hours. Eating while your mouth is still numb can be risky. You might accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek, causing injury that you won’t even notice until the numbness fades. We recommend waiting until you have a full feeling back in your mouth before you eat or drink anything other than water.

2. Avoid hard and sticky foods for the first 24 hours

Once the numbness is gone, it’s best to be gentle with your new filling. For the first 24 hours, try to avoid hard and sticky foods. This includes things like hard candies, nuts, and chewing gum. Hard foods can put excessive pressure on the filling, while sticky foods can potentially dislodge it before it has fully set. Opt for softer foods like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. After the first day, you can gradually reintroduce your normal diet.

3. Be careful with hot and cold beverages

It’s normal to experience some temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after a filling. The tooth may be a little irritated from the procedure. To minimize discomfort, try to avoid very hot or cold beverages for a day or two. If you do drink something cold, use a straw to bypass the newly filled tooth. This sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside within a few days.

4. Maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine

Good oral hygiene is always important, but it’s especially vital after getting a filling. You should continue to brush and floss as you normally would. Be gentle around the filled tooth for the first day, but make sure you are still cleaning the area thoroughly. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help prevent new decay from forming around the filling.

5. Manage pain or discomfort

Some minor discomfort or soreness around the filled tooth is common. You can usually manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.

6. Keep an eye on your bite

Your new filling should feel natural and comfortable. Once the numbness wears off, check your bite to see if the filled tooth feels too high or if it’s interfering with your bite in any way. If it does, please let us know. A filling that is too high can cause a toothache or jaw pain and may need a quick adjustment. We want you to be completely comfortable with your new filling. If you’re a patient looking for a dentist in Hesperia CA who prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction, you’ve come to the right place. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care.

7. Maintain regular checkups

A filling does not mean you can skip your dental visits. Regular checkups are the best way to monitor your fillings, prevent new cavities, and keep your mouth in top shape. During these visits, we check the health of your teeth and gums, polish away plaque buildup, and make sure your fillings are holding up well. Seeing a trusted dentist in Hesperia CA for ongoing care ensures that your treatment lasts for many years.

Smile brighter and live pain-free with Maple Dental

At Maple Dental, your comfort and confidence are our top priorities. Whether you need a simple filling, advanced treatment, or preventive care, our expert dentists are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We provide gentle, family-focused dental care for patients of all ages, so you can trust us with every step of your oral health journey.

Call us today at 760-949-7274 or schedule an appointment. Your trusted family dentist in Hesperia is ready to give you a reason to smile!