Aesthetic General Dentistry's Post-Op Instructions and Aftercare for Dental Fillings 

Before Leaving Our Clinic

Upon completing dental fillings procedure, we will provide you with gauze to stop any bleeding. We recommend keeping it on for 30 minutes while biting down gently. You may experience minor bleeding or oozing around the tooth on the day of the procedure. 

However, if the bleeding persists, please contact us immediately for further instructions.

We will also provide you with a temporary filling material that will protect your tooth until your permanent filling is placed in a week’s time. Please avoid chewing on this side of your mouth until the numbness wears off to prevent any damage to the temporary filling.

Managing Discomfort and Pain

It is normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity after getting dental fillings. You may also feel numbness in your mouth, lips, and tongue for a few hours after the procedure. 

To manage any pain or soreness, we recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.

If you experience severe pain or discomfort that does not go away with painkillers, please contact us immediately. We may need to make some adjustments to your filling, and in rare cases, the tooth may require further treatment.

Eating and Drinking

We advise our patients to wait for at least two hours before eating anything after getting dental fillings. This allows the filling material to fully set and reduces the risk of damaging it.

Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first few days after getting fillings. These can dislodge or damage the filling and cause sensitivity in your tooth. 

It is advisable to refrain from consuming hot or cold beverages during the initial days following the procedure, as your tooth may exhibit sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Instead, opt for lukewarm or room temperature drinks to reduce discomfort.

Oral Hygiene

Ensuring proper oral hygiene becomes paramount following dental fillings. It is advisable to delicately brush and floss around the treated area, aiming to eliminate food particles and deter the accumulation of plaque. 

Caution should be exercised to avoid exerting excessive pressure, as it may lead to potential damage to the filling.

You may experience some bleeding or tenderness while brushing and flossing around the filled tooth, but this is normal. If you notice excessive bleeding or discomfort, please contact us for further advice.

Follow-Up Appointments

After getting dental fillings, it is essential to schedule a follow-up appointment with us. This allows us to check the filling and make sure it is properly set and not causing any issues.

We typically recommend a follow-up appointment within six months of getting fillings, but this may vary depending on your individual case. During this visit, we will also perform a routine dental cleaning to keep your teeth and fillings in good condition.

Possible Side Effects

It is common to experience some side effects after getting dental fillings. These may include:

• Sensitivity: Your tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures or pressure for a few days after the filling procedure. This should subside on its own, but if it persists, please contact us.
• Discomfort: Some discomfort is normal after getting fillings, and it should subside within a week or two. If you experience severe pain or swelling, please contact us immediately.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some individuals may be allergic to the materials used for dental fillings. If you experience any unusual symptoms such as hives, rash, or difficulty breathing after getting fillings, please contact us immediately.

At Aesthetic General Dentistry of Frisco, we place a high priority on your oral health and are dedicated to delivering exceptional care. Through comprehensive post-operative guidance and scheduled follow-up appointments, we aim to guarantee the long-term durability of your dental fillings.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental fillings or their aftercare, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced dentists will be more than happy to assist you and address any issues that may arise. 

Remember, taking care of your dental fillings also means taking care of your overall oral health. So let us work together to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile!