Post-Operative Instructions: Composite Fillings

We recommend that you follow some basic home care instructions to help reduce pain and swelling. After your tooth colored filling procedure, you should follow these tips to your recovery time:

Diet:

If an anesthetic has been used for your tooth colored filling procedure, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lips when you are still numb.

We recommend soft foods and liquids on the day of your composite filling—avoid anything hot. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids as well. You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

Pain:

It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your tooth colored filling appointment. The injection site may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness.

If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, please contact the office.

Oral hygiene:

We recommend that you brush your teeth carefully and rinse gently on the day of your composite filling.

Having composite resin fillings issues?

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns about your composite fillings, please call office immediately.