Fillings Post-Operative Care

We have restored one or more of your teeth with resin composite. This material contains small filler particles made of glass-like material to provide strength and wear resistance. These restorations are made with modern, high-quality materials and are designed to serve you well for many years.

Please review the information below to help protect your new restorations and support long-term oral health.

Avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as hard candy, corn nuts, ice, or bones. Extreme force can cause the resin material to break from the tooth. If breakage does occur, replacement of the restoration is usually straightforward. These types of foods can also damage healthy, natural teeth.

Professional examinations every six months are important. Regular check-ups allow us to detect developing problems early, when they are easier to repair. Delaying care may require more extensive treatment or replacement of the restoration. We will contact you when it is time for your next six-month visit.

To maximize the life of your restorations and help prevent future decay or supporting tissue breakdown, follow these preventive recommendations:

• Brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste after meals
• Floss at least once daily
• Rinse vigorously for 30 seconds daily with a fluoride rinse, such as Johnson & Johnson ACT, preferably before bedtime
• Use an electric toothbrush
• Use 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride as a brush-on material if prescribed by our office

While we expect many years of service from your restorations, some changes may occur over time:

• Slight staining may develop around the edges of the restoration, which can often be removed
• Minor chipping at the junction between the tooth and restoration may occur and can usually be smoothed without replacing the filling
• Gum tissue may shrink over time, exposing the area beneath the restoration, which may require modification or replacement