Patient Care Instructions After New Fillings

The day of the procedure - be careful eating.

When anesthesia has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. It is recommended that you take 2 tablets (400mg) of ibuprofen before the anesthesia completely wears off. This will help with any swelling or pain. It will also help diminish any swelling in the nerve that may exist. Do not take ibuprofen on an empty stomach.

It is normal to experience some sensitivity after the appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold , and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Your gums may be sore for several days. Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water to reduce pain and swelling. (Patients with hypertension should avoid rinsing with salt water; a substitute of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water can be used.)

Be sure to check your bite.

Occasionally, the bite feels off after full sensation returns. If your bite feels uneven of if you have persistent pain, an adjustment may be needed. Please call our office for an appointment to adjust your bite.
Special note: Please be aware that a small percentage of teeth requiring treatment may require root canal therapy in the future.