Dental fillings are a common treatment to restore teeth affected by cavities, cracks, or minor damage. Once your filling is in place, how you care for it in the first few hours and days directly impacts its longevity and your comfort.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we want you to feel confident about post-filling care. This guide offers essential advice on immediate steps after getting dental fillings, ensuring a smooth transition back to your daily routine.
What to Expect Right After a Dental Filling
Numbness: Lasts for 1 to 3 hours depending on the anesthesia used.
Sensitivity: Common to heat, cold, and pressure for a few days, especially with composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
Bite adjustment: Its normal to feel like the filling is high. If discomfort persists beyond 2 days, call McLevin Dental for a quick adjustment.
Immediate Dos After Getting Dental Fillings
1. Wait Until Numbness Wears Off to Eat
Prevent accidentally biting your tongue, lips, or cheeks.
Stick to liquids or very soft foods if you must eat before numbness fades.
2. Chew on the Opposite Side (If Possible)
Especially important for larger fillings or multiple treated teeth.
Reduces pressure on the fresh filling as it settles.
3. Check Your Bite Carefully
If your filling feels too high or uncomfortable, call McLevin Dental.
A minor bite adjustment can prevent tooth pain or jaw soreness.
4. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss as normal but do so gently around the filled tooth, especially if gums are slightly irritated.
Immediate Donts After Dental Fillings
Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods for at least 24 hours, especially if you received an amalgam (silver) filling, which takes longer to harden.
Dont chew ice, hard candies, or tough meats on the filled tooth immediately after placement.
Avoid extremely hot or cold beverages if sensitivity is present.
Managing Sensitivity After Fillings
Sensitivity to temperature and pressure is common for a few days up to a week.
Use sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne to ease discomfort.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks (coffee, citrus, soda) during the first few days.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Reach out if you experience:
A bite that feels uneven or too high
Pain that lasts beyond 710 days
Sharp or worsening pain when chewing
Sensitivity that increases rather than decreases
Cracks or chips in the filling
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: 510 years with proper care.
Amalgam (silver) fillings: 1015 years on average.
Longevity depends on good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
How to Extend the Life of Your Fillings
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to prevent decay around the filling edges.
Avoid chewing hard objects (ice, pens, nails).
Attend regular checkups every 6 months for professional cleaning and monitoring.
How McLevin Dental Supports You
Our Scarborough dental team provides:
Accurate bite checks during filling placement
Follow-up adjustments if needed
Advice on managing sensitivity and long-term care for fillings
Preventive care to minimize future cavities
Final Thoughts
Following these immediate steps after getting dental fillings will help you avoid discomfort and protect your dental work. With gentle care, proper hygiene, and bite awareness, your filling will serve you well for years.
If you experience unusual pain or discomfort after your filling, contact McLevin Dental. Our experienced Scarborough dental team is always ready to assist you and ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.