COMPOSITE

AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS

The filling is fully set and ready to eat on when you leave the office. Please be careful eating until the anesthetic wears off so you don’t bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

ADJUSTMENTS

The finished restoration may be contoured slightly different and have a different texture than the original tooth. Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference, but you will become accustomed to this in a few days.  If after a week or two, your teeth feel they do not touch correctly please call the office. This problem can be solved with a quick adjustment to the filling and does not require anesthetic.

SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity is usually most noticeable the first 12-24 hours after the anesthetic wears off.  Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common for a few days following a dental filling. Usually the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth may be.  Sensitivity is usually most noticeable the first 12-24 hours after the anesthetic wears off.

GUM TISSUE

The gum tissue could have been irritated during the procedure and may be sore for a few days together with the anesthetic injection site.

CHILDREN

Please observe your child until the anesthetic wears off. Due to the strange feeling of the anesthetic, many children will chew the inside of their lips, cheeks, or tongue which can cause serious damage.

LONGEVITY

Fillings do not last forever and are subject to wear and tear just like your natural teeth. Wearing a nightguard or Invisalign retainer will help to extend the lifespan of your filling, along with the rest of your teeth. Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your fillings. Having your teeth cleaned every six months and an exam and X-rays every year will help prolong the life of your fillings.

QUESTIONS

These instructions are a supplement to what your doctor has advised. Please follow only the specific instructions the doctor has given individually to you. Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. If after hours, Dr. Heldt is reachable by texting (949) 734-0126 between 7am and 10pm. All text messages are forwarded to Dr. Heldt’s cell phone after hours. He will get back to you shortly.