Thank you for allowing us to provide you with your dental care. The procedure you have had today is the placement of a tooth colored filling. This procedure involves restoring teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or deteriorating fillings with a highly durable tooth colored material. In some cases, the material is used to cosmetically alter the shape or color of teeth. Tooth colored fillings may be placed on back teeth or front teeth. With proper care, your filling should last for many years.
The following is a list of some of the things you may experience following today’s appointment:
1. Anesthetic: You may have been given a local anesthetic to make your tooth comfortable during the procedure. The numbness generally lasts a few hours. During this period, be careful not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue. If possible, stick to liquids or soft foods until the numbness wears off.
2. Discomfort: Some mild to moderate sensitivity of the tooth is normal. Depending on the condition of the tooth, this may last from a few days to several months following the placement of the filling. The most common sensitivity is to temperature extremes and biting pressure. Unless prohibited by a medical condition, aspirin or ibuprofen is usually sufficient to relieve this discomfort. You may experience some soreness in the jaw muscles or joint from holding your mouth open for an extended period. This may result in difficulty or pain upon opening your mouth wide. Typically this will diminish within a few days.
3. Feel of the new filling: Your mouth may take some time getting used to your new filling. This could be due to the difference in the filling’s texture and shape from your original tooth. In most cases, your mouth will get used to the filling after a day or two. In rare instances, you may find that your bite hits the filling first and the rest of your teeth do not contact each other normally. If you feel that the bite on the new filling is high, call the office to determine if a minor bite adjustment is necessary.
4. Eating and chewing: This filling material hardens or sets almost immediately so eating or chewing will not damage the material. Due to numbness from the anesthetic or tooth sensitivity, as mentioned above, you may find it more comfortable to avoid hard or chewy foods until the feel of the tooth returns to normal.
Remember:
• Continue to brush and floss in the area. It will not harm the filling
• Expect some mild to moderate tooth and/or jaw discomfort.
• As with any tooth restoration, a long life depends on proper, regular care. It is essential to maintain your recommended teeth cleanings and examination schedule.
• PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT. We are always just a phone call away at 310-828-4451.
