Post-Operative Instructions: Dental Filling

Purpose

You’ve just had a dental filling placed to restore the shape and function of your tooth. It’s normal to have some mild sensitivity or discomfort afterward. The following information will help you care for your filling and ensure proper healing.

Numbness

• Your mouth may remain numb for 1–3 hours after your appointment.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the numbness wears off — you could burn or bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
• If your child received a filling, watch closely to ensure they don’t chew or suck on their lips or tongue while numb.

Eating and Drinking

• Once the numbness has completely worn off, you may eat as normal.
• If your filling feels “high” or your bite doesn’t feel right, contact us — a quick adjustment can usually fix it.
• Avoid sticky or hard foods on the new filling for the rest of the day.

Sensitivity

• Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for a few days.
• This should gradually improve — if sensitivity worsens or lasts more than a week, call our office.
• Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth (e.g., Sensodyne) if needed.

Pain or Discomfort

• You may take over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed.
• If pain is sharp, throbbing, or keeps you awake at night, please contact us — the nerve inside the tooth may need further care.

Oral Hygiene

• Brush and floss as usual but be gentle around the treated tooth for the first day.
• Keeping the area clean will help the filling last longer and prevent new decay.

When to Call the Office