Filling

Restoring Your Smile & Post‑Op Care

Tooth fillings are one of the most common dental procedures used to repair cavities and minor fractures. During a filling appointment, your dentist removes decayed tissue, cleans the cavity, and places a durable filling material such as composite resin or amalgam to restore the tooth’s structure and seal out bacteria.

Most fillings are completed in a single visit under local anesthesia. You may notice some pressure or vibration during the procedure, but it is generally comfortable and quick. Once the tooth is filled, you will have immediate function, but the anesthesia will keep the area numb for a few hours.

Aftercare Instructions

It is normal to experience some sensitivity to cold, hot or pressure after a filling. These symptoms should lessen within a few days to a couple of weeks. Tenderness at the injection site or mild soreness in the jaw is also common. Rinsing with warm saltwater and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve discomfort.

Avoid chewing on the numb side of your mouth until the anesthesia has completely worn off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. If your bite feels uneven once the numbness wears off, contact our office for a quick adjustment.

Continue brushing and flossing normally to keep the area around your new filling clean and healthy, and visit us regularly for routine checkups. White fillings set immediately, so you can return to your normal diet once numbness subsides, but avoid extremely hard or sticky foods for the first day.

Sensitivity should gradually decrease; however, if you experience prolonged pain, swelling or signs of infection, please call our office.

When to Contact Us

If you experience prolonged sensitivity, bite issues or discomfort after treatment, please contact our office. We’re here to help you enjoy your new smile safely and comfortably.