Immediately After Your Filling
- Numbness from anesthetic can last 2–4 hours. Be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.
- Avoid chewing on the treated side for at least 24 hours (or until numbness is completely gone).
- Composite (tooth-colored) fillings set immediately — you can eat carefully right away once numbness fades.
First 24–48 Hours
- Some sensitivity to cold, hot, or pressure is completely normal and usually improves within a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods (ice, hard candy, chewing gum) on the filled tooth.
- Brush and floss normally but be gentle around the new filling.
When to Contact Us
Call if you experience:
- Sharp or persistent pain when biting (the bite may need a quick adjustment)
- Sensitivity that worsens after several days instead of improving
- A filling that feels rough, high, or has fallen out
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