Post-Operative Care for Dental Restorations: What Parents Should Know

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s comfort and recovery are just as important as the dental treatment itself. Whether your child received a filling, crown, or other restorative procedure, following proper aftercare instructions in Campbell CA and Los Gatos CA is key to ensuring a smooth healing process and long-term success.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about post-op dental restoration care—from managing numbness to maintaining healthy habits.

---

What to Expect After Your Child’s Dental Procedure

If local anesthesia was used during your child’s visit, don’t be surprised if their lips, cheeks, or tongue stay numb for 1 to 4 hours afterward. This sensation is temporary but can lead to accidental biting or irritation.

• To keep your child safe while they’re still numb:
• Avoid eating or chewing until the numbness fully wears off
• Stick to soft, cool foods like applesauce, yogurt, or mashed potatoes
• Keep a close eye on younger children to prevent them from sucking or chewing on their lips or cheeks

---

Caring for Composite Fillings and Dental Crowns

Every restoration requires a slightly different approach to care. Here's what you need to know:

Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored)
These harden immediately, so your child can return to normal eating once the numbness fades. Encourage them to chew gently at first, especially if the filling was large.

Stainless Steel Crowns
Crowns are durable but not indestructible. To avoid damaging them:

• Avoid sticky or hard foods like gum, caramel, or ice
• Encourage chewing on the opposite side of the mouth for at least 24 hours
• Be cautious with crunchy snacks going forward

Front Tooth Restorations
For fillings or crowns on the front teeth, avoid biting into hard foods directly. For example, cut apples into slices instead of letting your child bite into them whole. This helps protect the restoration and reduce the risk of fractures.

---

Keeping the Smile Clean

Good oral hygiene is essential after any dental restoration. Encourage your child to:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily, especially around restored areas
• Regular cleanings and checkups

Keeping the mouth clean not only supports healing but also helps prevent future decay around the restoration.

---

Sensitivity Is Normal—But Know When to Call

It’s common for your child to experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after a filling or crown—especially in the first few days. In some cases, sensitivity may linger for several weeks.

To ease discomfort:

• Offer children’s Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed
• Avoid triggering foods and drinks, like ice water or piping hot soup

Monitor symptoms closely

Call us if your child experiences:

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Sensitivity that worsens over time
• Discomfort that keeps them up at night

These may indicate a bite issue or an underlying infection that needs attention.

---

Bite Feeling Off? We Can Fix That

After a procedure, your child might not notice if their bite feels a little “off” while still numb. If they mention discomfort once the anesthesia wears off, it may just be a minor adjustment.

A quick bite check at our office can make a big difference in how their teeth feel—so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Also, new fillings may feel rough to the tongue at first, but this texture usually smooths out naturally over time with regular brushing and chewing.

---

Questions? We’re Here for You

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dental team is here to support you at every stage of your child’s recovery. Whether you’re managing minor discomfort or just need reassurance, we’re only a phone call away.

Schedule a follow-up or call us today if you have any concerns about your child’s post-op care. We’re committed to keeping little smiles healthy, strong, and comfortable—one gentle step at a time.