While a dentist's procedure of filling a tooth is a common one, there are some aftercare steps to be aware of to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. Below are a few do’s and don'ts that dentists often advise their patients to remember after a tooth is filled to ensure the filling remains undisturbed and properly serves its purpose. 

Do:

Be prepared for numbness.

Dental fillings are always performed under a local anesthetic called Novocaine, which temporarily numbs the nerves in and around the affected tooth. Expect this numbness and reduced sensation to last for one to three hours after the procedure. Don't eat or chew anything on that side of the mouth until you have fully regained sensation to avoid cutting or biting the inside of your mouth. 

Check your bite.

Once the numbness has worn off, check that your bite is uniform. Bite down several times to ensure that all teeth are touching. If the recently filled tooth is touching down onto the bottom teeth before the others, it could signal a misalignment. Contact your dentist and let them know so the issue can be addressed. A misaligned bite can cause pain, trouble eating, breathing discomfort, and speaking problems.

Don't:

Indulge in unusually hard or sticky foods right away.

Though most fillings will be completely set within 24 hours, go easy on them for the first couple of weeks after the procedure. Try to avoid any extremely hard or sticky foods such as hard candies, chewing gum, and raw vegetables. Gradually reintroduce these items to test out the new filling.

Forget to maintain a daily oral health regimen.

Fillings replace cavities and tooth decay, so be extra vigilant about your oral health after the procedure to avoid the need for future fillings. Brush and floss at least twice a day and use dentist-recommended mouthwash. Limit sweets and sodas and aim to see a dentist for a cleaning twice a year.

Take proactive steps to better your oral health and wellness by following the steps above. Dentist Brian S. Kubo, DDS, Inc., can help you establish an maintain a daily oral health regimen. Since 1993, he has provided residents in Oahu, HI, with all aspects of dental care, including composite fillings, teeth whitening, and dental implants. Schedule an exam by calling his office at (808) 885-8465 and visit his website to see a list of his services.