If you’ve recently gotten dental fillings, a minor restorative dental procedure used to remedy cavities, then there are a few things you can do to ensure a quick recovery. Carefully adhere to the following instructions to ensure your teeth, tongue, and gums remain in good condition following your procedure.
After an anesthetic has been used, you will likely experience numbness of the lips and tongue for several hours after your procedure. We recommend that you avoid chewing or consuming hot beverages until the numbness has subsided. Otherwise, you may be at risk of inadvertently biting your tongue or burning your mouth. It should be noted that children are particularly prone to injury after anesthetics, as they tend to chew on the inside of their cheeks, lips, and tongue. Therefore, they should be observed in the first few hours after their procedure. You should expect the numbness from your anesthetic to wear off around 1-3 hours after your procedure.
Following your procedure, it is completely normal to experience sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure temporarily. You may also experience soreness or tenderness at the site of the injection used to administer your anesthetic, as well as some irritation of the gums. Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin can be taken as directed (one to two tablets every 4-6 hours as needed) until the pain subsides. Typically, dental sensitivity to extreme temperatures and pressure subsides after a few days. However, if this sensitivity does not subside after a couple of days or if it worsens, be certain to contact St. John Smiles.
While you don’t necessarily need to change your diet after receiving fillings, we do recommend that you avoid hot foods and beverages while you’re still experiencing numbness from the anesthetic. We also suggest that you avoid chewing entirely during these first few hours. Otherwise, you may be at risk for unknowingly burning or harming your cheeks, tongue, and lips. If you get silver fillings, we recommend that you do not chew crunchy or hard foods or chew directly on your new restoration for the first 24 hours. Composite fillings, on the other hand, can be chewed on immediately after the anesthetic has worn off.
In some cases, you may experience an uneven bite after the anesthetic has worn away. If you feel that one side of your mouth is hitting first when you bite down, be certain to call St. John Smiles right away. An uneven bite could cause further discomfort or damage down the road and should be addressed immediately.
Do you have any questions about your recovery after receiving dental fillings? We’re happy to help! Contact St. John Smiles today to speak with someone in our office or schedule a follow-up appointment.
Address:
9486 Wicker Ave, St. John, IN 46373