Hey there! If you’ve just had a dental filling done, you’re on your way to a healthier smile. Here are a few expectations for filling care after treatment.
Right After the Filling: The Numbness Phase
Ever tried drinking water while your mouth is numb? It’s weird, right? After your filling, part of your mouth will be numb for a few hours. A big heads-up: Be super careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue while you’re still numb. It’s easier to do than you think!
Tenderness Is Totally Normal
Your gums might feel a bit tender or sore for a few days, especially if your filling required numbing or if we needed to use those little wedges to keep things in place during your filling. It’s like when you wear a tight shoe, and your foot says, “Hey, I’m not cool with this.” Your gums are just letting you know they noticed something was up.
Floss Like a Boss
Yes, you still need to floss! But be gentle around your new filling. If you had a gingivectomy (a tiny trim for your gums) or experience tenderness, treat your gums gently and with care. We will typically let you know when certain procedures may benefit from a trip to the store on your way home to pick up a mouth-safe OTC benzocaine cream like OraJel.
What’s Up with Sensitivity?
Feeling a bit more twinge when you sip a cold drink or chow down on something? That’s normal after a filling. Your tooth is like, “Whoa, what just happened?” It might take a few weeks, but this sensation should start to calm down and get back to normal.
Is My Bite Off?
Sometimes after a filling, your bite might feel a bit off, like when you step on a part of the floor that’s not level. If it doesn’t start feeling right after a few days, give us a call. You might just need a quick adjustment!
The “What If” Scenario: Needing a Root Canal
In instances where the cavity was particularly deep, the affected tooth might struggle to recover, potentially necessitating a root canal. This scenario is uncommon but important to acknowledge as part of the spectrum of outcomes in dental restoration.
FAQs
Why does my tooth feel weird after a filling?
Your tooth just had a mini makeover! It might be sensitive to cold or feel a bit off when you bite down. This is your tooth getting used to its new look. Give it a few weeks to adjust.
My gums feel sore after my dental filling, what gives?
Those gums of yours were close to the action during the filling process. They might be tender from being moved around or from the wedging process. Think of it as a small workout they weren’t ready for just like when you floss for the first time after a while. It’ll pass in a few days.
Is it okay to eat after getting a filling?
Totally, but wait until the numbness waves goodbye, so you don’t accidentally chomp on your cheek. Start with something soft and easy to chew.
Do I still need to floss around my new filling?
Yes, but be the gentle flosser. Your tooth and gums are like “Thanks, but let’s not get too wild here.”
What if my bite feels weird?
Give it a few days, but if it’s still not feeling right, it probably just needs a small adjustment.
What’s the deal with possibly needing a root canal? / Is there a chance I might need a root canal after a filling?
While rare, a tooth with a deep cavity close to the nerve may require further treatment, such as a root canal, if it does not respond well to the filling.
Navigating the post-treatment phase with these guidelines will ensure a smoother recovery. Remember, maintaining communication with us is key to addressing any concerns or symptoms that may arise.