Getting a filling or crown is one of those “small appointment, big impact” dental moments. You walk in with a problem tooth and walk out with something that’s meant to protect it for years. But the hours and days after your visit matter more than most people realize. A little smart aftercare can reduce soreness, help your bite settle correctly, and keep your new restoration (that’s the dental term for fillings, crowns, and similar fixes) from getting stressed before it’s fully ready for everyday chewing.
This guide breaks down what to do and what to avoid after a filling or crown—without making it complicated. Whether you’re dealing with numbness, temperature sensitivity, a “my bite feels weird” moment, or you’re just trying to figure out when you can eat normally again, you’ll find clear, practical steps here.
One quick note: everyone heals a little differently. If something feels “off” beyond normal tenderness—sharp pain, swelling, a crown that feels loose, or a bite that suddenly doesn’t line up—trust your instincts and reach out to a dental professional.
Right after the appointment: what’s normal and what’s not
The first few hours after a filling or crown appointment can feel strange. Your mouth may be numb, your bite may feel different, and your tooth might be sensitive. Most of that is expected, especially if local anesthetic was used or if the tooth was worked on deeply.
What’s “normal” depends on the procedure. A small filling might leave you with mild sensitivity for a day or two. A deeper filling or a crown preparation (where the tooth is shaped) can cause tenderness for several days. If a temporary crown was placed, it can feel slightly bulky or different until the final crown is cemented.
What’s not normal is pain that ramps up quickly, swelling, fever, a bad taste that won’t go away, or a bite that feels so high you can’t chew comfortably. Those can signal an issue that needs attention sooner rather than later.
Numbness: treat it like a safety hazard
Numb lips, tongue, and cheeks can be surprisingly dangerous. People accidentally bite themselves all the time after dental work, especially kids (and honestly, distracted adults). The safest move is to avoid chewing until the numbness is completely gone.
If you have to eat, stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing and keep the food on the opposite side. Also be cautious with hot drinks—numb tissues don’t register heat well, so it’s easy to burn yourself without realizing it.
Once sensation starts returning, it can feel tingly or itchy. That’s normal. If numbness lasts longer than your dentist said it would (for example, well into the next day), it’s worth calling to check in.
Bleeding and gum tenderness: small amounts can happen
For fillings, bleeding is usually minimal. For crowns—especially if a lot of work was done near the gumline—you may notice slight bleeding when you brush or floss that area the first day. Mild gum tenderness is common too, since the tissues may have been retracted or irritated during the procedure.
To keep things calm, brush gently and use lukewarm salt-water rinses (more on that below). Avoid aggressive swishing or poking at the gumline with toothpicks. If bleeding is heavy, doesn’t slow down, or you see swelling that’s getting worse, don’t wait it out.
It’s also normal for the gum around a new crown to look a bit “angry” for a short time. It should improve steadily. If it looks worse after a few days, that’s a sign to get it checked.
Eating and drinking: timing matters more than you think
Food is where most aftercare mistakes happen—not because people don’t care, but because no one wants to live on yogurt and soup. The good news is you usually don’t have to. You just need a short-term strategy that protects your tooth while it settles.
Different materials set differently. Some fillings harden instantly with a curing light, while others take longer to fully reach their final strength. Crowns can be temporary or permanent, and the cement type matters. When in doubt, follow the post-op instructions you were given, and use the tips below as a general guide.
After a filling: chew smart for the first day
If you had a tooth-coloured (composite) filling, it’s usually hardened right away. That said, the tooth and surrounding tissues can still be tender. Try to chew on the opposite side for the rest of the day, especially if the filling was deep or close to the nerve.
If you had a silver-coloured (amalgam) filling, some dentists recommend waiting longer before chewing on that side because the material continues to strengthen over time. Again, follow the instructions you received, but if you’re unsure, choose softer foods and avoid heavy chewing until the next day.
One more thing: if your bite feels “high” (like your tooth hits first when you close), don’t ignore it. That can cause lingering pain or sensitivity because the tooth is taking too much force.
After a crown: treat temporary crowns like delicate placeholders
If you left with a temporary crown, think of it as a protective cover—not the final, fully durable version. Temporary crowns can come loose more easily, and the cement is meant to be removable. That means sticky foods (caramels, gum, chewy candy) and very crunchy foods (ice, hard nuts) are risky.
Try to chew on the other side when possible, and cut tougher foods into smaller pieces. If the temporary crown pops off, keep it safe and call your dental office. Often it can be re-cemented quickly.
When you get the permanent crown, you’ll still want to be cautious for the first day as your bite settles and the cement fully sets. After that, most crowns can handle normal chewing—though it’s always wise to avoid using any tooth as a “tool” for opening packages or biting fingernails.
Brushing and flossing: yes, you should keep cleaning—just do it differently
It’s tempting to baby the area by skipping brushing or flossing, but plaque doesn’t take days off. In fact, keeping the area clean helps the gums heal and reduces the chance of inflammation around a new crown margin or a freshly filled tooth.
The goal is gentle, thorough cleaning that doesn’t tug on sensitive tissue or dislodge anything (especially a temporary crown). If you’re unsure how aggressive to be, use the “comfortable but effective” rule: you should feel like you cleaned well, but not like you scrubbed a wound.
Brushing: focus on soft bristles and good angles
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush the treated area carefully. If the gumline is tender, slow down and use smaller strokes. Electric toothbrushes are fine if you’re gentle and let the brush do the work.
If toothpaste stings due to sensitivity, try a sensitive toothpaste and avoid rinsing vigorously afterward. Letting a small amount of the toothpaste sit on the tooth can help desensitize it over time.
Don’t skip brushing right before bed. Nighttime is when dry mouth and reduced saliva can make it easier for bacteria to cause trouble.
Flossing: the “slide out” trick for crowns
Flossing is essential around crowns because plaque loves to hide at the gumline. But if you have a temporary crown, you’ll want to avoid snapping floss upward, which can potentially lift the crown.
Instead, slide the floss down the side of the tooth, hug the tooth in a C-shape, and then pull the floss out sideways rather than popping it back up. This sideways removal technique is especially helpful around temporary crowns and sensitive gums.
For tight contacts or sore areas, floss picks can be tempting, but they can also encourage pulling upward. If you use them, be extra careful—or consider a water flosser as a gentler alternative during the first few days.
Managing sensitivity: what helps and when to worry
Sensitivity after a filling or crown is one of the most common concerns. You might notice it with cold water, hot coffee, sweet foods, or even when you breathe in cool air. Most of the time, it’s your tooth adjusting after being worked on.
The key is the trend: sensitivity that gradually improves is usually normal. Sensitivity that intensifies, becomes spontaneous (hurts without a trigger), or keeps you up at night is a sign something else may be going on.
Temperature sensitivity: keep it mild for a few days
For the first few days, choose lukewarm foods and drinks when you can. Very cold smoothies or piping hot tea can trigger discomfort, especially if the tooth was drilled close to the nerve.
Sensitive toothpaste can help, but it’s not instant. It usually takes consistent use for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, avoid whitening products, which can make sensitivity worse.
If cold sensitivity lingers beyond two weeks or is sharp and intense, it’s worth getting the bite and the restoration checked. Sometimes a small adjustment makes a big difference.
Pressure sensitivity: your bite may need a quick adjustment
If it hurts mainly when you bite down, the restoration may be slightly high. This can happen even with careful work because your bite can feel different while you’re numb, and tiny discrepancies can be hard to detect in the chair.
A high bite can cause the tooth to feel bruised and sore, and it can even lead to jaw tension or headaches. The fix is usually simple: your dentist can polish or adjust the filling or crown so your bite meets evenly again.
Don’t try to “wait it out” for weeks if chewing hurts. Teeth don’t “toughen up” the way skin does—if the bite is off, the tooth keeps taking extra force until it’s corrected.
Do’s for the first 48 hours: simple habits that protect your investment
Dental work is an investment in comfort, function, and long-term health. The first 48 hours are a window where a few small choices can reduce inflammation and help everything settle smoothly.
Think of these as low-effort, high-reward habits. You don’t need to overhaul your life—just give your mouth a little extra support while it’s adjusting.
Do use salt-water rinses to calm irritated gums
A warm salt-water rinse can be incredibly soothing if your gums feel sore after crown work or if the injection sites are tender. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm (not hot) water and gently swish for 20–30 seconds.
Do this a couple of times a day, especially after meals, to help keep the area clean and reduce irritation. The key word is gently—vigorous swishing can aggravate tender tissue.
If you were given a prescription rinse, use it exactly as directed and don’t combine it with other rinses unless your dentist says it’s okay.
Do choose softer foods that still feel satisfying
Soft doesn’t have to mean boring. Think scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, steamed fish, tofu, mashed sweet potatoes, smoothies (not ice-cold), soups that aren’t too hot, and well-cooked veggies.
Protein is helpful for healing, so try to include it even if you’re avoiding heavy chewing. Yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, and tender meats can work well depending on your comfort level.
If you’re prone to clenching or grinding, softer foods also reduce stress on your jaw while the tooth is settling.
Do pay attention to how your bite feels
When the numbness wears off, gently close your teeth together and notice if anything feels uneven. It’s normal for a new crown to feel a bit different at first, but it shouldn’t feel like it’s the only tooth touching.
If you notice that your tooth hits first or chewing feels awkward, write it down and call for a quick bite check. These appointments are usually short and can prevent weeks of discomfort.
It’s also helpful to note what triggers sensitivity (cold, sweets, pressure) because that information helps your dentist pinpoint the cause.
Don’ts that can cause setbacks: common mistakes to avoid
Most post-filling and post-crown issues come from a handful of predictable mistakes: chewing too soon, eating sticky foods, ignoring a high bite, or overdoing it with “fixes” like aggressive rinsing or poking at the area.
Avoiding these doesn’t require perfection—just a bit of awareness. If you slip up once, don’t panic. Just get back to gentle care and monitor how things feel.
Don’t chew on the numb side (even if you’re hungry)
This one is worth repeating because it’s so easy to forget. Chewing while numb increases the risk of biting your cheek or tongue, and you can also accidentally overload a fresh filling or temporary crown without realizing it.
If you absolutely need to eat, use the other side and choose foods that don’t require much chewing. Also avoid alcohol while numb—it can make it harder to notice injuries.
If you do bite yourself, keep the area clean and avoid spicy or acidic foods until it heals.
Don’t test the tooth with hard or sticky foods
It’s tempting to “see if it’s fine” by chewing something crunchy. But early stress can cause tiny fractures in a tooth that was already weakened by decay, or it can pull at a temporary crown.
Sticky foods are especially risky for temporary crowns because they can lift the crown right off. Even with permanent crowns, sticky candies can stress the margins and make cleaning harder.
Give it a little time. If you want reassurance, start with gentle chewing and gradually return to your normal diet.
Don’t ignore pain that changes character
Dull soreness that improves is one thing. Pain that becomes sharp, throbbing, or spontaneous is another. If you notice pain waking you up, or you need pain relievers more frequently rather than less, that’s a sign to check in.
Sometimes a tooth needs a bite adjustment. Sometimes the nerve is inflamed and needs additional treatment. The sooner you address it, the easier it usually is.
If you suspect something is wrong and you need to get urgent dental care, don’t wait for it to “maybe go away.” Rapid changes—especially swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing—should be treated as time-sensitive.
Temporary crown specifics: keeping it in place and keeping gums happy
Temporary crowns are a bridge between the prep appointment and the final crown. They protect the tooth, reduce sensitivity, and help maintain spacing. But they’re not meant to be bulletproof.
A little extra care goes a long way here, because a lost temporary crown can lead to sensitivity, shifting, and gum irritation. The good news: most temporary-crown problems are preventable with a few simple habits.
Don’t pull floss upward; do pull it out to the side
This matters enough to get its own reminder. When you floss around a temporary crown, pulling up can catch the edge and lift it. Sideways removal reduces that risk.
If you feel the crown move when you floss, stop and call your dentist. It may just need a quick re-cementing, and fixing it early is easier than dealing with an irritated gumline for days.
Also, if food traps around the temporary crown, don’t jab at it with sharp tools. Try rinsing with warm water, using a water flosser, or gently flossing instead.
Avoid super-sticky foods and chewing gum entirely
Caramels, taffy, and gum are the biggest culprits for dislodging temporaries. Even “healthy” sticky foods like dried fruit can cause trouble if they cling to the crown.
If you’re a gum chewer, consider this a short break. It’s not forever, and it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your temporary crown.
Once your permanent crown is in place, you can ask your dentist if gum is okay for you—especially if you have a history of jaw tension or clenching.
Permanent crowns: how to help them last for years
A permanent crown is designed to restore strength and function, but it still depends on what’s underneath: your tooth structure and gum health. Crowns don’t get cavities, but the tooth at the edge of the crown can. That’s why daily cleaning and smart habits matter.
Also, crowns are strong, but they’re not indestructible. If you grind your teeth at night or chew ice, you can chip porcelain or stress the crown-to-tooth bond over time.
Keep the margin clean: that’s where trouble starts
The “margin” is the seam where the crown meets your natural tooth. Plaque loves this area, and if it sits there long enough, decay can form under the crown edge.
Brush along the gumline carefully and floss daily. If you have trouble with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser can help reach around the crown.
If your gums bleed around a crown weeks after placement, it’s often a sign that plaque is accumulating there—or that the crown contour needs to be checked. Either way, it’s fixable, but it’s better to address early.
If you clench or grind, ask about a night guard
Grinding (bruxism) puts huge forces on teeth and restorations. Crowns can chip, and teeth under crowns can become sore. Many people don’t know they grind until they get dental work and suddenly notice pressure sensitivity.
A custom night guard can protect both the crown and the rest of your teeth. It can also reduce jaw soreness and morning headaches for some people.
If you’ve cracked fillings before or you wake up with tight jaw muscles, it’s worth bringing up at your next appointment.
Pain relief and comfort: what’s safe, what’s helpful, what to skip
Some tenderness after a filling or crown is common, especially when the tooth was deeply decayed or the procedure took a while. Most people can manage this with simple measures at home.
That said, pain is information. If you’re escalating from “a bit sore” to “can’t focus,” it’s time to check in rather than just stacking pain relievers and hoping for the best.
Over-the-counter options: follow directions and don’t double up
Many people use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for post-dental soreness. These can be effective when taken according to the label (and your medical history). Avoid exceeding recommended doses, and be mindful of combination cold/flu products that may contain acetaminophen.
If you have stomach issues, kidney concerns, liver concerns, or take blood thinners, ask a pharmacist or your healthcare provider what’s safest. It’s always okay to call your dental office for guidance too.
Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or tooth—this old-school “hack” can burn tissue and make things worse.
Cold packs for jaw soreness: short sessions work best
If your jaw feels sore from holding it open, a cold pack on the outside of your cheek can help. Use it for about 10–15 minutes at a time with a cloth barrier so you don’t irritate the skin.
Jaw soreness usually improves quickly. Gentle stretching and avoiding very chewy foods for a day can also help.
If jaw pain is severe or you can’t open comfortably after a couple of days, check in—especially if you have a history of TMJ issues.
When anxiety or a strong gag reflex makes aftercare harder
Not everyone leaves the dentist feeling relaxed. Some people feel tense for hours afterward, which can lead to clenching, muscle soreness, and more sensitivity. Others dread follow-up visits (like crown seating) because of anxiety, past experiences, or a strong gag reflex.
If that sounds like you, it helps to know you’re not alone—and you have options. A calmer appointment often leads to a smoother recovery because you’re less likely to clench, grind, or avoid cleaning the area afterward.
Plan ahead for future visits so you don’t white-knuckle it
If you struggled through the appointment, let your dental team know before the next one. They can often adjust pacing, add breaks, use topical numbing more effectively, or suggest strategies for gag reflex control.
For some patients, discussing sedation dentistry options can be a game-changer—especially for longer crown appointments or if you’ve been avoiding care due to anxiety. The right approach can make the experience feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Even small changes—like scheduling at a time of day when you’re less stressed, using noise-cancelling headphones, or practicing slow breathing—can reduce post-appointment tension.
Clenching after dental work: a sneaky cause of soreness
After a filling or crown, you might unconsciously “check” the tooth by tapping or clenching. That can irritate the ligament around the tooth and make it feel achy.
Try to keep your jaw relaxed: lips together, teeth apart. If you notice yourself clenching, place the tip of your tongue gently behind your upper front teeth and let your jaw drop slightly.
If clenching is a chronic issue, it’s worth asking about a night guard or stress-reduction strategies that fit your lifestyle.
Orthodontics and new dental work: how aligners and restorations interact
If you wear clear aligners (or you’re thinking about starting), you might wonder how a new filling or crown affects your trays. The short version: it can matter, but it’s usually manageable with good communication and a little planning.
Fillings can slightly change tooth shape, and crowns definitely can. That can affect how aligners fit, especially if the restoration changes the contour near the edge where the aligner grips.
If you’re already in aligners, check the fit right away
Once numbness wears off, try your aligners and see if they seat fully. If they don’t fit the way they did before, don’t force them. Forcing trays over a new restoration can cause discomfort and may stress the tooth.
Call your dental or orthodontic provider to ask what they recommend. Sometimes you may need a quick adjustment, a replacement tray, or a short pause while things settle.
Also, be extra diligent with cleaning. Aligners can trap plaque against teeth, and a new crown margin needs to stay clean to protect the underlying tooth.
If you’re planning Invisalign, mention any recent crowns or fillings
When you’re being assessed for aligners, it’s helpful to mention any recent restorations so your provider can plan around them. Crowns can be moved with aligners, but attachments and tray grip may be planned differently than on natural enamel.
If you’re exploring treatment, talking with a Jacksonville Invisalign provider (or a local provider near you) can help you understand how aligners and restorations work together and what to expect for comfort and fit.
The goal is a plan that protects your dental work while still moving your teeth safely and predictably.
Red flags that mean “call today,” not “wait and see”
Some post-procedure symptoms are annoying but normal. Others are signals that something needs attention quickly. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of stress (and sometimes prevent bigger problems).
If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to call and describe what you’re feeling. Dental teams would rather reassure you early than see you suffer for days.
Swelling, fever, or a spreading ache
Swelling in the face or gums, fever, or pain that spreads into the jaw or ear can be signs of infection or significant inflammation. These symptoms deserve prompt evaluation.
Also watch for a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, or a persistent bad taste—both can indicate an abscess or drainage.
These issues are treatable, but they’re not the kind of thing you want to “sleep off.”
A crown that feels loose or a filling that feels cracked
If your crown moves when you chew, or you feel a gap where food suddenly packs in, call. A loose crown can allow bacteria underneath and irritate the tooth.
Similarly, if a filling feels sharp, catches floss, or you notice a piece missing, it’s best to have it checked before the tooth becomes sensitive or decays further.
If you still have the crown (temporary or permanent) and it comes off, keep it safe and bring it with you to the appointment.
Small daily habits that make fillings and crowns last longer
After the first few days, your mouth usually feels normal again—and that’s when it’s easiest to forget about maintenance. But long-lasting dental work is less about luck and more about consistent, boring habits that protect your teeth from the two big enemies: decay and excessive force.
Think of this as the “keep it simple” plan. You don’t need fancy gadgets (though they can help). You just need consistency.
Keep sugar frequency low (it’s not only about amount)
Snacking on sugary foods throughout the day keeps your mouth in an acidic state longer, which increases cavity risk around filling edges and crown margins.
If you enjoy sweets, try to have them with meals rather than sipping or grazing all afternoon. Follow with water, and brush later when it makes sense (not immediately after very acidic foods).
This is especially helpful if you’ve had multiple fillings or you’re prone to decay.
Don’t use your teeth as tools
Opening packages, biting tags, cracking nuts, chewing ice—these are classic ways to chip restorations or crack teeth. Crowns are strong, but the tooth underneath can still fracture under the wrong kind of force.
If you catch yourself doing this out of habit, keep scissors or a package opener handy. It’s a small lifestyle tweak that can save you from a sudden dental emergency later.
And if you’re an ice chewer, consider switching to cold water or crushed ice that melts quickly—your teeth will thank you.
A quick checklist you can actually use tonight
If you want a simple mental checklist after a filling or crown, here it is: keep it clean, keep it gentle, and pay attention to changes. Most people do great with just that.
Brush softly, floss carefully (especially around temporaries), avoid sticky/hard foods for a short time, and don’t chew while numb. Use salt-water rinses if your gums are irritated, and take over-the-counter pain relief only as directed if you need it.
Most importantly, if your bite feels off or pain is escalating, reach out. A quick adjustment or check can turn a frustrating recovery into an easy one.