Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)

Composite fillings are hardened with a curing light during the procedure, so they're fully set by the time you leave my practice. However, there are a few things to keep in mind during the first day.

Numbness

The local anaesthetic typically wears off within 1–3 hours. During this time, be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue — it's surprisingly easy to do when you can't feel them. I'd recommend waiting until the numbness has fully worn off before eating.

Sensitivity

Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is perfectly normal in the first few days after a filling. This is your tooth adjusting to the new restoration and usually settles down within one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists beyond that, or if it gets worse rather than better, please give my practice a ring.

Eating and Drinking

While composite fillings are technically cured immediately, I recommend sticking to softer foods for the first 24 hours, particularly if the filling is on a back tooth that bears heavy chewing forces. Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks if you're experiencing sensitivity. There's no need to avoid any particular foods long-term — once the initial settling period is over, you can eat normally.

Bite Check

When you leave my practice, your bite should feel normal. Sometimes the anaesthetic makes it difficult to assess your bite accurately during the appointment. If you notice that the filling feels "high" — as if that tooth is hitting first when you close your mouth — contact me. A quick and painless adjustment is all it takes to fix this, and it's important not to leave it, as a high filling can cause discomfort and even crack over time.

Long-Term Care

Looking after a composite filling is no different from looking after your natural teeth. The basics apply:

Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled brush
Floss daily — especially around the filled tooth, as the junction between the filling and your natural tooth can be a spot where plaque accumulates
Attend regular check-ups — I'll monitor all your fillings at each visit and catch any issues early
Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) — this is one of the most common reasons fillings crack or wear prematurely

Avoid These Habits

Chewing ice, pen caps, or hard sweets — these can chip or crack composite fillings
Using your teeth as tools — opening packets, tearing tape, and the like put unnecessary stress on your teeth and fillings
Biting your nails — a common habit that can damage both natural teeth and restorations

Signs to Watch For

Contact my practice if you notice any of the following:

Persistent sensitivity lasting more than two weeks after the filling was placed
Sharp pain when biting down on the filled tooth — this may indicate a high spot or a crack
A rough or jagged edge on the filling that catches your tongue or floss
The filling feels loose or a piece has chipped off
Discolouration of the filling or darkening around its edges — this can indicate leakage and potential decay underneath
Swelling or pain in the gum around the filled tooth

Don't wait for your next scheduled check-up if something doesn't feel right. Early intervention almost always means a simpler and less expensive fix.

How Long Will My Filling Last?

A well-placed composite filling typically lasts between 7 and 10 years, with many lasting significantly longer. The lifespan depends on several factors:

Location in the mouth — fillings on back teeth endure more chewing force and tend to wear faster
Size of the filling — larger fillings are under more stress than smaller ones
Your oral hygiene — good brushing and flossing habits protect the margins of the filling from decay
Diet — frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods accelerates wear and increases the risk of new decay around the filling
Grinding or clenching — bruxism is hard on all dental restorations

When a filling does eventually need replacing, I'll discuss your options with you. In many cases, a new composite filling is all that's needed. If the tooth has lost a significant amount of structure over time, I may recommend a dental crown instead, to provide more complete protection.

Diet Recommendations

There's no strict diet to follow after a composite filling, but these general guidelines will help your filling — and your teeth — last:

Limit sugary snacks and drinks — sugar feeds the bacteria that cause decay
Be cautious with very hard foods — nuts, hard sweets, and popcorn kernels can chip fillings
Reduce acidic foods and drinks — citrus fruits, vinegar, fizzy drinks, and wine can erode enamel around the filling margins over time
Drink plenty of water — this helps rinse away food debris and keeps your mouth hydrated

A balanced diet that's good for your general health is good for your teeth too. There's no need to overthink it — just be mindful of the extremes.

Aftercare for Composite Fillings