A dental filling is a common restorative procedure used to repair damaged teeth caused by decay or other issues. If you've recently had a filling placed, you may wonder what to expect during the immediate recovery period. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the next few days after your appointment.
What to Expect Immediately After the Filling
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Numbness: The local anesthetic used during the procedure will wear off within a few hours. You may experience some lingering numbness in the area, making it crucial to be cautious about biting your lip or cheek until the feeling returns.
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Sensitivity: Your tooth may feel slightly sensitive to touch and temperature changes, such as hot or cold food and drinks. This sensitivity should gradually decrease within a few days.
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Tenderness: The area around the filling may feel tender due to the manipulation of the tooth during the procedure. This tenderness typically resolves within a day or two.
Caring for Your New Filling
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Diet: Avoid chewing on the filled tooth for the first few hours until the anesthetic wears off completely. You should also stick to soft foods for the first day or two to minimize pressure on the filling. Gradually transition back to your regular diet, avoiding excessively hard or chewy foods that could damage the filling.
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Oral hygiene: Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing twice daily. Be gentle around the new filling, especially during the first few days.
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Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage any discomfort. Follow the instructions on the medication label and consult your dentist if the pain persists or worsens.
Potential Side Effects and When to Call Your Dentist
While complications following a filling are uncommon, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects and when to seek professional attention:
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Lingering pain: If the pain around the filling doesn't subside within a few days or becomes severe, contact your dentist.
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Sensitivity: If your tooth remains highly sensitive to temperature changes or biting pressure even after a few weeks, it could indicate problems with the filling's placement or seal.
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Chipped or cracked filling: If you notice a chip or crack in the filling, schedule an appointment with your dentist to prevent further damage to the tooth.
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Discomfort while biting: If you experience discomfort or pain when biting down, it might require adjusting the filling.
Conclusion
Following a filling, it's normal to experience some initial sensitivity and tenderness. By caring for your new filling properly and being aware of potential side effects, you can ensure a smooth recovery and maintain the health of your tooth. Remember, communication with your dentist is crucial. Don't hesitate to call them if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms following your filling.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 • (971) 708-1608 • centurydentalllc.com • 1/14/2025 • Page Terms:Dentist Hillsboro OR
A dental filling is a common restorative procedure used to repair damaged teeth caused by decay or other issues. If you've recently had a filling placed, you may wonder what to expect during the immediate recovery period. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the next few days after your appointment.