Dentist in Mint Hill, NC
With a tooth-colored filling, you can eat as soon as any numbness wears off, because the filling is fully hardened before you leave. Wait for sensation to return first so you do not accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
Numbness from local anesthetic usually wears off within one to three hours. Avoid chewing on that side until it does
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common after a filling and usually fades within a few days to a couple of weeks. If it gets worse instead of better, or you develop lingering pain, call us so we can check it.
If the filled tooth feels high or hits before your other teeth when you bite down, call us for a quick adjustment. A filling that sits even slightly high can cause soreness, and it is an easy fix.
With good oral hygiene, tooth-colored fillings can last many years. We check your fillings at every cleaning visit and let you know if one ever needs to be replaced due to wear or new decay around it.
No special care beyond normal brushing and flossing. Keeping the tooth and the area around the filling clean helps prevent new decay from forming at the edges of the filling.
After gum disease treatment, most patients move to a periodontal maintenance schedule, often every three to four months, so we can keep the area clean and monitor your gum health over time. Your hygienist will recommend the right interval for you.