At Smith & Stahr in Lexington, Kentucky, we are delighted to offer our patients tooth-colored composite dental fillings to repair minor to moderate damage to a tooth. After you receive a dental filling, it may take a few hours to a few days for tooth sensitivity to diminish, but there are things you can do to help your tooth adjust to this sensitivity after receiving a dental filling.
Since biting down hard on something can make the teeth sore where the new filling was placed, it can help to chew on the other side of the mouth from the filling. But if you do chew on it, chew carefully, and avoid biting down all the way until the anesthesia wears off. You don’t want to accidentally bite your tongue, cheek or lip while the area is still numb.
Sensitive teeth are affected by temperature, so you will want to avoid chewing with your mouth open to avoid cold air hitting the teeth. You will also want to avoid hot or cold drinks that could increase tooth sensitivity in the newly filled tooth.
Avoid sticky foods for those first few days after your filling, and stay away from hard food such as nuts, hard candy, granola bars, raw carrots, etc. Composite dental fillings set right away so you can usually chew on them once the anesthesia has fully worn off.
If you have any questions or concerns about a filling, or if it is time for your next dental checkup and cleaning, please give our team a call. To schedule a visit with Drs. Smith, Stahr, and Smith, please call our All Stahr Dental PSC team in Lexington, Kentucky at 859.278.9391 today!