What Not To Do After A Dental Filling
Despite the recent innovation in dentistry, maintaining healthy teeth remains a challenge for millions globally. Tooth decay or cavities are some of the most common dental problems, mainly contributed by poor dental hygiene, trauma, certain medications, teeth grinding, and frequent snacking on sugary and acidic items. Fortunately, teeth decay, or cavities can be treated with dental fillings.
Signs that you may have cavities and might need a filling in Wellesley, MA, include:
- Tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, or sugar
- Mild to severe recurrent tooth pain
- Visible pits or holes in the teeth
- White, brown, or black spots on teeth
- Pain when biting down
What are dental fillings?
A tooth-filling procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the tooth and filling the areas with a filling material. The filling materials can vary based on factors like your condition, budget, and preferences. They include:
- Amalgam /silver/mercury fillings.
- Gold fillings
- Ceramic fillings
- Composite resin
- Glass ionomer
Based on the material of your filling and overall dental care and hygiene practices, your fillings should last 5 to 20 years. Visit our dental office for quality tooth fillings in Wellesley, MA.
How to Care for Your Dental Fillings: Things Not Do
After your dental filling procedure, your dentist will give you several aftercare instructions on things you can and can’t do to ensure your filling stays in good condition for the long term. Below are things that you shouldn’t do after getting fillings:
- Do not disturb the filling
Even after your filling is installed, it takes several hours to settle completely. You mustn’t disturb the filling by touching it with your finger, tongue, or brush. The filling can easily change position or fall off, necessitating a new procedure. Notify your dentist immediately if your filling has loosened, feels wrong, or has fallen out.
- Do not immediately eat or drink
When placing the filling, your dentist will likely numb you to keep you pain-free. Since the anesthetic might take several hours to wear off completely, you should avoid eating and drinking until the numbness stops. Eating while your mouth is still numb can cause you to hurt your cheeks, lips, and tongue and disturb the filling.
- Do not ignore the pain
While minor soreness or discomfort is normal after dental filling, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe or persistent symptoms like pain, swelling, or bleeding. These symptoms often indicate that there’s something wrong with the filling. The dentist can re-install the fillings for maximum comfort and protection.
- Do not eat hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods
Immediately after placing a filling, your dentist will advise you to adjust your diet for the next few days. Eating hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy items can disturb or pull out your filling. Sticky and chewy items can also encourage plaque and tartar buildup around the fillings, encouraging infections. You should eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, vegetables, oatmeal, and soft fruits until the filling settles completely. Avoid chewing on the side with the filling.
- Do not drink or eat very hot, cold, acidic, or sugary items
It’s normal to experience minor sensitivity after getting a dental filling. You must avoid hot, cold, acidic, and sugary items as they can irritate the treated area, causing more sensitivity and discomfort.
- Do not grind your teeth
Grinding your teeth during sleep can cause your filling to change position or fall off. It can also cause more damage to your teeth and jaw. Getting a custom mouthguard or treatment from your dentist can help protect your filling and teeth from teeth grinding and clenching.
- Do not ignore oral hygiene
Like your natural teeth, a dental filling requires good care and hygiene for longevity. Brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings will ensure your filling and teeth remains healthy and strong.
Learn more about dental fillings in Wellesley, MA
Are you interested in dental fillings? Contact Wellesley Dental Arts to book your appointment today.