Post-Operative Instructions After Dental Fillings

At Yaas Dental, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile. If you’ve recently had a dental filling placed—either a white (composite) filling or a silver (amalgam) filling—it’s important to follow the correct post-operative care to ensure optimal healing and comfort.

Below are detailed instructions to help guide you through the recovery process and minimise complications.

Composite (White) Fillings

Composite resin fillings are hardened immediately using a curing light. This means your filling is fully set at the end of your appointment, and you may eat or drink right away—but with some precautions.

What to Expect and Do After Treatment:

• Be cautious while numb: Avoid eating until the local anaesthetic has worn off if possible. If you must eat, choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Numbing duration:
  • Upper jaw: ~2-4  hours
  • Lower jaw: ~4-6  hours
    Avoid hot foods or drinks during this time to prevent accidental burns or bites to the cheek, lips, or tongue.
• Tooth sensitivity is common, especially to cold foods and beverages. This sensitivity can last from a few days to several months, depending on the depth of the cavity. Most discomfort fades significantly within 24–48 hours after the numbing wears off.
• Gum irritation and injection site tenderness are normal and typically resolve within a few days.
• Brushing and flossing should continue as normal. Brush at a 45-degree angle twice daily and floss once a day to prevent new decay and maintain gum health.
• Tooth texture and shape may feel slightly different due to the new filling. Your tongue may initially detect this change, but you’ll usually adapt within a few days.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Silver fillings take longer to harden compared to composite fillings, so extra caution is needed immediately after your appointment.

Important Guidelines:

• Avoid chewing on the filled side for at least 2–3 hours post-treatment.
• Do not eat hard or crunchy foods for 24 hours to allow the amalgam to fully set and bond.
• Follow the same anaesthetic precautions as above: avoid eating until numbness wears off and do not consume hot foods or drinks during that time.
• Sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal and should diminish gradually.
• As with all dental procedures, gum tenderness and injection site soreness can occur.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene with gentle but thorough brushing and daily flossing.

Tips to Minimise Discomfort and Protect Your Fillings

• Use a sensitive toothpaste (e.g., Sensodyne) if you experience lingering discomfort.
• Avoid hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails that could damage your new filling.
• If your bite feels uneven or the filling feels too high after a few days, please contact our clinic. We can make minor adjustments easily and comfortably.
• If the filling falls out or you notice persistent pain, call us promptly to assess and correct the issue.

When to Contact Yaas Dental

Call 03 8774 2115 if you experience:

• Pain that worsens over time
• Sensitivity that persists beyond a few weeks
• Visible cracks or loss of the filling
• Trouble chewing or biting due to high spots

Dental Fillings in Narre Warren – Long-Term Care

Dental fillings, while durable, are not permanent and may require replacement after several years. Maintaining your oral health with regular dental check-ups and cleanings is the best way to protect your fillings and overall smile.

At Yaas Dental, we’re here to help. Whether you need a filling, a review, or simply advice, we welcome you to contact our friendly team today.