After care for large dental RESTORATIONS

Be cautious of numbness following the use of local anaesthetic for your dental treatment as you may accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, lip or load excessive force on your new filling. Your restoration has been completely set and is okay to use to eat but we recommend that you are careful not to have anything too hot, as you will not feel pain with an accidental burn. Numbness from the local anaesthetic will last around two to eight hours.

Sensitivity and bruising of the gum around your new restoration is normal, and its severity differs from person to person following treatment. If you experience tenderness around the gum line we encourage warm salt water rinses to aid healing in the area. A saltwater mouth rinse is made by dissolving a level teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. The salt water solution should be held in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes to bathe the area, and to flush out food debris. Otherwise, you can use the opposite side of the mouth to chew on to minimise this risk.

Your jaw may also feel tired or strained as you have had your mouth open for longer than usual for your treatment. We recommend that you continue to move your jaw by gentle talking and chewing motions to help minimise swelling, as well as any stiffness.

Should you feel your discomfort persists, it is alright to take pain relief after the numbness wears off. DO NOT take anti inflammatories if you have been told in the past by a doctor or pharmacist that it is medically not suitable for you (such as if you have gastric or stomach problems, or asthma). Any pain relief should only be necessary for the first 48 hours following your new filling and if pain increases after a few days please call Brisbane Smile Boutique on 07 3391 2504 or email our reception, as ongoing pain may be a sign that you have an infection.

If you have been advised of a deep filling, it is important to monitor if you are experiencing temperature sensitivity or continued pain because the decay of your tooth was noted as being in close proximity to the pulp/nerve. If bacteria reaches the nerve and the pulp becomes inflamed you can be at risk of a dental abscess which may need further treatment and specialist care. We ask that we are able to continue to monitor the health of your dentition, and advise six monthly dental examinations, including two yearly bitewing radiographs to monitor the tooth and all of your teeth and supporting tissues, for prevention of decay, maintenance and your future good dental health.