Did you just get a dental filling? Getting a dental filling doesn’t mean that your time in the dentist's chair is done. In fact, caring for your teeth after getting fillings is an important component of making sure they stay healthy.
For this reason, we created this guide to make caring for your recently filled cavities simpler and more pleasurable for you. At Gorgeous Smile, we value your oral health and want to provide you with all the knowledge necessary to maintain it in the best possible condition.
To help you, we'll explore why aftercare is essential and how to take care of your teeth after a filling treatment. We'll also discuss the most important steps you need to follow for proper dental filling aftercare. So, keep reading and learn more about how to take care of your teeth after getting a filling.
Aftercare is crucial following a dental filling procedure for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your filling settles correctly into your tooth structure. This is vital because a well-set filling can last for many years, protecting your tooth from further decay.
Secondly, effective aftercare can minimise potential discomfort or sensitivity that sometimes occurs post-procedure. Lastly, aftercare ensures that your oral hygiene remains at its best, preventing other dental issues from arising.
Remember, a filling repairs an existing issue, but good oral health practices are necessary to avoid future problems. This way, your dental filling can last longer, and you won't have to experience the same dental issue again.
Avoid Eating or Drinking: For a few hours behind the procedure, avoid hot and cold foods to prevent sensitivity and discomfort.
Don’t Chew on the Filled Tooth: To allow the filling to set properly, avoid chewing on the filled tooth until the numbness from the anaesthesia has completely worn off.
Mild Pain Management: You may experience pain or pressure sensitivity in the filled tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this discomfort.
Rinse with Salt Water: In the moments after the process, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This can help reduce swelling and prevent infection.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Avoid sticky and hard foods for a few days after the procedure, as they may cause the filling to come loose or damage the tooth that was treated. For instance, you can eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, or yoghourt.
Regular Dental Visits: Keep up with your usual dental checkups at your dental office. Regular visits permit your dentist to monitor your filling and make sure it's still functioning as it should.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice daily using toothpaste with fluoride and floss daily. A consistent hygiene routine will not only prolong the life of your filling but also prevent new cavities.
Mindful Eating: Continue to limit hard and sticky foods that can dislodge or damage fillings. Also, frequent consumption of sugary drinks and snacks can lead to tooth decay around and under the filling.
Use Mouthguard if Needed: If you grind your teeth at night, consider using a nightguard. Teeth grinding can cause fillings to wear away, crack, or dislodge.
Apply Desensitising Toothpaste if Necessary: If your filled tooth remains sensitive for a longer period, using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help. However, if the tooth sensitivity persists, it's essential to visit your dentist for a checkup.
Now you know the immediate and long-term aftercare, here's a concise explanation of the crucial dental filling maintenance steps:
Daily Brushing and Flossing: Make sure you floss and wash your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every day. For the preservation of dental fillings and general oral health, this is essential.
Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash: Using an antiseptic mouthwash daily can help kill bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities forming near the filling.
Eat a Tooth-Healthy Diet: A balanced diet with vitamins and minerals and a few sugary drinks strengthens teeth and prevents filling damage.
Consider Fluoride Treatments: Question your dentist about fluoride treatments. Fluoride can strengthen your teeth and help protect your fillings.
Replace Worn Out Fillings: Dental fillings don't last forever. If you notice a filling is worn out or damaged, a new filling is necessary to prevent further damage to your tooth.
Yes, you certainly can and should brush your teeth after getting a filling, but with some precautions. You don't want to rush back and start brushing or flossing around the filled tooth immediately after the procedure.
It's a good idea to wait until the numbness from the anaesthesia has completely worn off so that you don't accidentally hurt your mouth. Also, be gentle when you brush near the filled area, as your gums might be tender.
Sensitivity after a dental filling can vary for each individual. Typically, the phenomenon of disappearance occurs during a span of approximately one to two weeks.
On the other hand, you shouldn't disregard experiencing tooth sensitivity if it persists for an extended amount of time. This extended sensitivity may indicate a filling issue or another dental condition.
It's strongly advised to consult with your dentist if the sensitivity persists, as ignoring it could lead to more serious dental problems in the future. They can provide a thorough examination or adjustment to the filling, if necessary, to alleviate your discomfort.
Experiencing pain in your filled tooth might seem surprising, but it's not uncommon. It's possible that you'll experience some discomfort, particularly while biting into or consuming solid foods. There are several possible causes for this.
Your filling might be too high or uneven, which can affect your bite and cause pain. The filled tooth might have been very deep, close to the nerve of the tooth, causing lingering pain. Also, the filling material itself can sometimes cause sensitivity.
Whatever the reason, it's essential to discuss any persistent pain with your dentist, as they can make adjustments or provide further treatment if necessary.
Indeed, there are various kinds of fillings. Silver amalgam and white composite fillings are the main types. Since they match your teeth, white fillings are a popular choice for people who want a more natural smile.
These fillings bond to your tooth, providing extra support and resistance to breakage. Silver amalgam fillings are cheaper and more durable than white ones. These metal fillings are utilised for rear teeth when visibility isn't an issue.
Both types have their pros and cons, and your dentist can support you in choosing the most suitable option based on your exact needs and the location and extent of your decay.
Maintaining the condition of your dental fillings is crucial for both your general and oral health. By following these guidelines, you can prevent further complications and ensure your fillings last as long as possible.
Remember, your dentist is your partner in oral health, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions.
In order to preserve healthy and long-lasting dental fillings, take into account the advice above and remember to maintain proper oral hygiene. Let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful. Good luck!
