Post-Op Instructions
for White Fillings or Resin Restorations
White resin fillings, also called composite fillings, are commonly used in pediatric dentistry because they blend well with the natural tooth color. After your child receives a white filling, it’s important to follow these post-op care instructions to ensure the filling stays in place and heals properly.
1. Numbness
- Your child will likely experience numbness from the local anesthetic, which should wear off in a few hours. During this time, be careful to avoid biting their tongue or cheek.
- Avoid eating or drinking hot liquids until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent burns or injury.
2. Eating & Drinking
- Wait at least 1 hour after the procedure before allowing your child to eat to allow the filling to set properly.
- For the first 24 hours, encourage soft foods and avoid sticky or hard foods like gum, candy, popcorn, or nuts, which could damage or dislodge the filling.
- Make sure to chew on the opposite side of the mouth to protect the treated tooth until it fully heals.
3. Sensitivity
- It’s common for the treated tooth to feel a little sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks for a few days. This should decrease with time.
- If your child experiences persistent or severe pain, or if the tooth feels uncomfortable, contact your dentist for an evaluation.
4. Oral Hygiene
- Continue brushing and flossing your child’s teeth regularly, but be gentle around the new filling for the first few days.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep the area clean without causing irritation to the treated tooth.
- Make sure to avoid excessive force when brushing the filling, as it may be slightly sensitive initially.
5. Care of the Filling
- The resin filling will be fully hardened by the time your child leaves the office, but it’s important to avoid excessive pressure on the filled tooth for the first 24-48 hours.
- If your child complains about a high or uneven bite, contact the dentist right away for a quick adjustment.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails to prevent damage to the filling.
6. Follow-Up Appointments
- Regular dental visits are essential to ensure the filling remains intact and that the overall oral health is maintained.
- If the filling becomes loose, cracked, or damaged, schedule an appointment to have it repaired or replaced.
7. When to Contact the Dentist
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away after a few days.
- If the filling falls out or becomes loose.
- If your child notices visible cracks or chips in the filling.
Ready for your child's appointment?
At Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry of Chantilly, we're committed to making dental care a fun and stress-free experience, one your child will enjoy again and again! From the moment the first tooth emerges, we’re committed to laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, radiant smiles. We invite you to schedule your child’s appointment to discover a new level of pediatric dental care!
