Filling Aftercare | Grove Court Dental Care

Immediately After

The First Few Hours

Numbness

Your mouth may remain numb for 1–3 hours after the anaesthetic. Avoid eating until feeling returns to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.

Sensitivity

Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or pressure is normal for a few days to a couple of weeks. This should improve gradually.

Eating

With composite (tooth-coloured) fillings, you can eat as soon as numbness resolves. Avoid very hard or sticky foods for 24 hours.

Your Bite

If Your Bite Feels Off

It is common to feel like the filling is slightly high immediately after the procedure. This can be difficult to assess while your mouth is still numb. If after the anaesthetic wears off your bite still feels uneven — or if you feel pain when biting down — call us. This is a simple, quick adjustment.

A high bite that is not corrected can cause tooth pain and jaw discomfort.
Do not try to adapt your bite around the filling — contact us so we can adjust it properly.

Diet

Eating After a Filling

Fine to Eat

Normal foods once numbness resolves
Soft foods if teeth are sensitive
Lukewarm foods and drinks
All the usual foods within 24 hours

Avoid for 24 Hours

Very hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts)
Sticky foods (caramel, toffee)
Chewing gum
Biting directly on a new large filling

Temporary vs. Permanent

Temporary Fillings

If you have a temporary filling

Temporary fillings are intentionally soft and are not meant to last.
Avoid chewing on that side as much as possible.
Do not be alarmed if a small amount wears away — but contact us if a large portion comes out.
Attend your follow-up appointment promptly for the permanent restoration.

Ongoing Care

Looking After Your Filling

Brush twice daily and floss daily — including around the filled tooth.
Attend regular check-ups. We monitor your fillings at each visit for signs of wear or secondary decay.
Avoid using your teeth as tools (opening bottles, biting nails, etc.) as this stresses restorations.
If you grind your teeth at night, speak to us about a night guard — grinding can crack and wear fillings prematurely.

Warning Signs

When to Contact Us

Call us if you notice

Pain when biting down that persists after a few days
A cracked, chipped, or lost filling
Sensitivity that is getting worse, not better, over time
Swelling or pus around the filled tooth
Severe, spontaneous pain (this may indicate the pulp is affected)

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Important Information

The guidance on this page is intended for general educational purposes and for patients of Grove Court Dental Care. It is not a substitute for direct professional evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.

If you have ongoing symptoms, significant pain, swelling, or any concern about your oral health, please contact our office directly or consult a registered dentist. Do not rely solely on written guidance when your condition is changing or uncertain.

Please do not submit detailed clinical, medical, or confidential information through website forms or general communication channels. For sensitive matters, contact us directly by phone, email, or in person.

After Your Dental Filling