After Dental Filling: Care Guide

Right After Your Filling

Your new filling restores the structure and function of your tooth. Here is what to know as the anaesthesia wears off.

• •Do not eat or drink until the numbness is completely gone (usually 1-3 hours).
• •Be careful not to bite your cheek, tongue, or lip while numb.
• •If you received a composite (tooth-coloured) filling, it is fully hardened — you can eat on it once numbness fades.
• •If you received a silver amalgam filling, avoid chewing on that side for 24 hours as it takes time to fully set.

Sensitivity & Discomfort

Some sensitivity after a filling is perfectly normal and should improve within a few days to a couple of weeks.

• •Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for 1-2 weeks after a filling.
• •If your bite feels uneven or high when you close your teeth together, contact us for a quick adjustment — this is an easy fix.
• •Mild gum soreness near the filling site may last 1-2 days.
• •Use a sensitivity toothpaste to help manage discomfort.

Caring for Your Filling

• •Brush and floss normally — good hygiene extends the life of your filling.
• •Avoid very sticky foods (toffee, caramel, chewing gum) on the filled tooth for the first 24 hours.
• •Do not chew on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails.
• •Visit your dentist for regular checkups — fillings can wear over time and may need replacement after several years.

Signs That Need Attention

• •Sharp or throbbing pain that does not subside with over-the-counter painkillers.
• •A crack or chip in the filling — you may feel a rough or sharp edge with your tongue.
• •Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold beyond 3 weeks.
• •Pain when biting that worsens instead of improving.