After dental fillings or cosmetic work

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your dental filling appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at Satula Family Dental Phone Number (414) 425-1510.

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at Satula Family Dental Phone Number (414) 425-1510 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one-two tablets of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 4-6 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new fillings, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Satula Family Dental Phone Number (414) 425-1510. We always welcome your questions.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

After Amalgam Fillings (silver Fillings)

Please do not chew on your new filling for 24 hours. By focusing your chewing to the other side of your mouth you ensure your filling completely hardens to optimal strength. Chewing on a silver placed within 24 hours may decrease the strength of the filling, possibly putting you at risk to break, fracture, or loose the filling.

Also be careful brushing and flossing around your new silver filling for 24 hours to ensure the filling hardens to its maximum potential.

After 24 hours you may eat, drink, chew, floss, and brush on your tooth just as you would any other teeth.