Dos & Don'ts Of Dental Filling Aftercare: What You Really Need To Know
So, you’ve just had a dental filling. Congrats! You made it through the tooth filling procedure, and now your tooth is patched up and protected. But the success of your dental fillings doesn’t stop in the dentist’s chair. What you do (and don’t do) afterwards plays a big role in how well your tooth heals.
No matter if you’ve had composite white fillings or metal dental fillings, a bit of aftercare goes a long way. Let’s walk through the top dos and don'ts after a tooth filling, with some tips to keep your smile strong and tooth sensitivity low:
Key Takeaways
Avoid eating until the local anesthetic wears off completely.
Stick to soft, non-sticky foods for the first 24 hours.
Some tooth sensitivity is normal, but persistent pain is not.
Keep up with brushing and flossing (just be gentle).
Contact your dentist if you experience sharp or lingering pain.
What You Shouldn't Do: Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t eat solid foods right away. Wait until the local anesthetic wears off so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue without realizing it.
Avoid hard or chewy foods. These can be foods such as nuts, candy, or crusty bread. Try to avoid these for at least 24 hours as they can dislodge or crack a fresh filling.
Skip the sticky stuff. That means gum, toffee, or anything that clings. Your filling deserves a break.
Don’t ignore pain or pressure. Mild tooth sensitivity is normal, but sharp or lasting pain may mean your bite needs adjustment.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Try to avoid extremely hot or cold drinks if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity.
What You Should Do: Best Practices For A Happy Tooth
Eat soft foods. These can be foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. These foods require minimal chewing.
Take over-the-counter painkillers. This is a handy tip if you feel mild soreness. However, be sure to take them only as directed.
Brush your teeth gently. You should also floss carefully around the filling, but be sure to be gentle as you do so.
Book a dental hygiene appointment. This is the perfect time to give your whole mouth a check-up for added peace of mind and cleanliness.
Check your bite. It's important to do this once the numbness is gone. If something feels “off,” consult your dentist as soon as possible.
When To Contact Your Dentist
Some discomfort is expected for up to two weeks after a dental filling procedure, especially with deep cavities or fillings near the tooth’s pulp. But, it should be trending in a direction where the pain is lessening every day. If you're dealing with symptoms like a persistent toothache, ongoing pain, discomfort, tooth sensitivity, swelling, fever, or signs of infection, it’s time to contact your dentist. You may need a simple bite adjustment, or, in rare cases, additional care, such as a root canal. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Let’s Keep That Smile Shining
At Shine Dental, we believe that good dentistry goes beyond the filling procedure. If you need a routine cleaning, a filling, extraction, or full-mouth rehab, we’re with you every step of the way, from the first exam to long-term success.
Need support with dental fillings in Winnipeg? Book a visit today and experience care from a team that listens and makes you smile.