Caring for Your Child:

Composite (Tooth Colored) Fillings

Dr. Tiffany and her team celebrate your child’s successful dental visit! We are honored to partner with you in building your child’s lifelong, happy, and healthy smile. To ensure a smooth and gentle recovery, please follow this guide carefully.

1. Managing Numbness (The First 1–3 Hours)

After the procedure, your child’s mouth may feel numb, tingly, or “asleep” due to the gentle anesthetic used. This sensation is completely normal and is intended to keep your child comfortable while the effects last.

• Supervision is Key: Carefully monitor your child for the next 1 to 3 hours, until the numbness has completely worn off.
• Prevent Injury: Because children cannot feel their mouths during this time, they may accidentally bite or scratch their cheeks, lips, or tongue. Supervision helps prevent these accidental injuries.
• Soft Diet Only: Offer only cool, soft foods—such as yogurt or smoothies—until all numbness has disappeared.

2. Diet & Nutrition (The First 6 Hours)

To help the new filling set properly, it is important to be mindful of your child’s food choices during the first six hours after treatment.

• Avoid: Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like sugary gum, taffy, or hard candies, as these textures can damage the new filling while it is still settling.
• Choose: Soft, easy-to-chew foods that are gentle on your child’s teeth.

3. Managing Sensitivity (Days 1–7)

It is normal for your child to experience some minor discomfort as their tooth adjusts to the filling.

• Expect: Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure while biting may occur and should gradually improve within a week.
• Pain Management: If needed, you may use over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), dosed according to your child’s weight, to help with any discomfort.

4. Hygiene & Activity

• Oral Hygiene: Your child can resume their regular oral hygiene routine immediately
• Habits: Remind your child not to bite on toys or use their teeth to open packages, as these actions can fracture the resin material of the filling.

⚠️ When to Call Our Office

Complications are rare, but please contact our office immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Severe Pain: Intense, throbbing pain that is not relieved by Tylenol or Advil.
• Swelling: Significant swelling in the cheek, lip, or gums.
• Structural Damage: If the filling breaks or falls out.
• Prolonged Issues: Sensitivity that lasts longer than one week.