Temporary Filling Instructions

We have placed a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until the final restoration is fitted.

Please read and follow the advice below carefully to help ensure the best outcome.

Eating and Drinking

Please avoid eating or drinking until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.

Once the anaesthetic has worn off, avoid chewing directly on the temporary restoration wherever possible, especially hard, sticky, or crunchy foods (e.g. toffees, crusty bread, nuts, chewing gum).

If the restoration feels high when biting, or if it becomes uncomfortable, please contact the practice so we can adjust it.

Oral Hygiene

Continue to brush your teeth as normal, taking care around the treated tooth.

You may gently clean between your teeth, but avoid pulling floss up sharply through the contact point

A soft toothbrush is recommended.

Sensitivity and Discomfort

It is normal for the tooth and surrounding gum to feel slightly tender or sensitive for a few days, particularly to hot, cold, or pressure.

Mild discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the manufacturer’s instructions and any medical advice you’ve been given.

If pain increases or becomes severe, please contact us promptly.

If the Temporary Restoration Comes Loose or Falls Out

Occasionally, a temporary may come away before your next appointment. If this happens:

Keep the area clean by gently brushing and rinsing with warm salt water.

Do not attempt to glue or cement it back yourself

It is not urgent but please contact the practice as soon as possible — we may arrange for the temporary to be re-cemented or replaced.

If you must keep the area covered (e.g. for comfort or due to unavailability of a practice visit), you can purchase temporary filling material from a chemist/pharmacy and follow the manufacturer instructions, but this should only be a short-term measure until we see you.

Follow-Up Appointment

Your temporary restoration is not designed to last long-term. It is important that you attend your next appointment to have the permanent restoration placed.

Delaying this may result in tooth sensitivity, leakage, fracture, or recurrent decay.

Contacting the Practice

If you experience:

• Severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity that does not settle with pain relief

• The temporary restoration comes off, breaks, or feels loose

• Difficulty closing your bite or persistent discomfort