Thank you for trusting us with your dental care! We are a mercury-free and metal-free office, and all fillings placed at Midway Family Dental are safe, biocompatible, tooth-colored restorations. Please follow these instructions to ensure the best healing and comfort.

 

While You Are Still Numb

• Be careful not to bite, chew, scratch, or burn your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

• Avoid eating solid foods until the numbness completely wears off (usually 2–4 hours).

• Children should be closely supervised until the numbness is gone.

 

Eating & Drinking

• Once the numbness has worn off, you may eat and chew normally.

• Composite fillings are fully set before you leave our office, so no special restrictions are required.

• Start with soft foods if your teeth feel sensitive at first.

 

Sensitivity & Discomfort

• It is normal to experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for several days to a few weeks.

• If you notice sensitivity, avoid very hot, cold, or sticky foods until it improves.

• Natural support: Arnica (tablets or topical gels/creams) can be helpful for soreness and healing. Warm saltwater rinses may also provide relief.

• Avoid using essential oils directly on the gums or teeth without proper dilution, as they may cause irritation.

• If needed, over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can still be used safely as directed.

 

Bite or High Filling

• If your bite feels uneven or you experience pain when chewing after the numbness wears off, please call us. The filling may need a simple adjustment.

 

Caring for Your New Filling

Your filling restores the tooth, but the natural tooth structure around it can still decay if not cared for. To keep your new filling strong:

• Brush twice daily, focusing gently at the gumline.

• Floss once daily to clean between teeth and prevent decay around the edges of the filling.

• Eat a diet rich in whole foods, limiting sugar and processed snacks.

• Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the health of your teeth and fillings.

 

When to Call Us

Contact us right away if you experience:

• Severe or throbbing pain that does not improve with natural or over-the-counter remedies

• Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw

• Sensitivity that persists beyond a few weeks

• A filling that feels loose or comes out

 

We’re Here for You!

• If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call, text, or email us.

• If you call, please be sure to leave a voicemail for us to return it — we are unable to return calls if no message is left.

• If you have issues after hours, a text message will be forwarded directly to Dr. Riley.