Dental fillings are long-term remedies for tooth decay or cavities because they prevent the progression of decay and sensitivity. The best part is that the procedure is painless and straightforward so that it won’t take up much of your time.
Many patients, however, are unaware of the optimal practices to follow after the treatment. To help your recovery go as smoothly as possible, we have compiled a list of dos and don’ts for caring for your teeth after a new filling:
Dos
1. Take Pain Relievers as Needed
You can use painkillers if you have pain and discomfort after obtaining a composite filling. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the best because they will make you feel better. If the discomfort persists, seek treatment from Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry.
2. Examine the Bite
To avoid any unevenness in your teeth, make sure you test your bite before you leave the dentist’s office. Various fillings have different set periods; for example, composite filling hardens almost instantly. As a result, you should pay close attention to whether the bite matches the surrounding teeth. If you see an imbalance, notify your dentist so that they can correct it.
3. Keep in Mind the Root Cause of Cavities
To avoid reverting to old habits after the operation, you must recall what caused the degradation. It will assist you in maintaining a healthy diet and dental hygiene practice that will keep your teeth strong and healthy which will, in turn, help you avoid the pain that comes with tooth decay. Limit intake of sugary and acidic foods and practice good dental hygiene.
4. Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing and flossing should be continued after the procedure, primarily if you utilize composite fillings. The main reason for this is that it dries quickly and you can avoid damage by brushing. It would help if you brushed your teeth at least twice a day to keep them clean and healthy. Brushing your teeth after meals is necessary to prevent food from accumulating in your dentition and attracting bacteria.
5. Make an Appointment with Your Dentist
Please feel free to ask the dentist any questions you may have about the dental procedure. If you have any questions about the aftercare procedure, please get in touch with Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry at any time.
6. Get Regular Check-ups
It would be beneficial if you attended routine check-ups so that the dentist could assess the fillings’ progress. Furthermore, you will have cleanings to ensure that your teeth are in excellent oral condition. Your dentist can also look for any impending cavities to intervene before they become a problem.
Don’ts
1. Eat Hard or Sticky Food
It’s best to avoid eating hard or sticky foods too soon after a new filling. If you have silver fillings, for example, you should wait 24 hours before eating a tricky meal. Keep soft foods on hand before you go to the dentist’s office so you have something filling-friendly to eat when you get home.
2. Consume Hot Beverages
Because the material is still fresh and fragile, extreme temperatures may cause damage. Plus, your teeth may still be in minor pain at that time, which you don’t want to exaggerate. As a result, you should avoid hot drinks that can harm your teeth.
3. Touch Your Filling
If you are touching the filling, you are transferring bacteria from your hands to your teeth. If you have an imbalance after the treatment, don’t press down on the dental appliance because it may worsen. Instead, tell the dentist about the problem so that they can take care of it.
4. Ignore Persistent Pain
When the numbing wears off after the procedure, you will feel minor pain in the location where dentists gave the injection. Furthermore, you may have sensitivity in your tooth, which is quite normal. If the inflammation persists for more than a week, seek treatment.
5. Grind Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth frequently, you should stop since it harms the material. Because of the grinding, the fillings will wear away, chip, and even shatter. Safeguard your teeth with a mouthguard whenever you need to sleep.
Conclusion
Although dental fillings are common, this does not negate the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Maintain a proper dental hygiene routine, visit Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry for regular check-ups, and don’t hesitate to ask your dentist in Raleigh how to better your overall oral health. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
