How to Care for Dental Fillings

If you have a damaged tooth or a tooth cavity that’s getting in your way to good oral health, there’s a simple solution for that – Dental Filling.

Dental filling is a standard procedure used to treat a cavity or restore a damaged tooth to its normal shape and function. During the procedure, a dentist will clean the affected area by removing any decayed material and debris. The dentist then fills the cavity with the filling material.

Besides restoring your tooth to its normal functioning, dental filling closes up any spaces around the damaged area, which prevents bacteria growth and plaque. You can reach out to Rifle Dental Care clinic for a dental filling procedure and care.

What to expect after a Dental Filling

Dental filling is considered safe and, in most cases, very successful with zero to minimal complications. During the procedure, the dentist will numb the area of operation. So you can rest assured that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

However, after the procedure, say 2 to 3 hours, the anesthetic will wear off, and you can expect to feel mild pain and discomfort. Most probably, you may feel the following sensations;

• Pain or cold in your teeth, mostly when breathing cold air
• Sensitivity when drinking or eating hot or cold food and drinks
• Tender gums
• Pain when clenching teeth
• Toothache
• Pain around the are filling
• Pain when eating, flossing, or brushing
• Little swelling around the filling

After the procedure, discomfort or sensitivity should disappear within two to four weeks. If the discomfort doesn’t improve within that time, you should be checked out by a dentist to review if there’s an infection or complications. You can visit Rifle Dental Care for dental aftercare consultation and treatment.

Additionally, if the filling feels uncomfortable after you go home, maybe it’s too high or has some sharp edges, you should see your dentist as soon as possible for it to be smoothed or shaped out.

How to Care For Your Dental Filling

Caring for a dental filling is easy and straightforward – absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. Use the following tips to promote safe and faster healing after dental filling.

• Brush and floss everything

Faster healing after a dental filling calls out for good oral hygienic practices. This includes brushing your teeth about two to three times per day. Flossing, especially after meals, also helps to remove any trapped food particles or debris between the teeth, creating a clean environment for healing after a filling.

Maintaining good oral hygiene will also ensure healthy teeth and gums and prevent staining and further tooth problems.

• Use a soft toothbrush and brush your teeth gently

While brushing your teeth is highly recommended, it should be done correctly. Using hard-bristled can damage the filling and the teeth enamel, causing further complications. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and replacing it every three months or less.

But still, make sure you brush thoroughly. Poor brushing can leave behind food particles and debris, encouraging tooth decay or serious dental problems such as gum disease.

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet

Eating healthy is not only beneficial to your teeth. Your entire body will thank you for staying hydrated and following a well-balanced diet. You can consult with your dentist on the best type of foods for healthier teeth and gums.

• Avoid Hard and Sticky foods

If you want to heal quickly, don’t put any pressure on the filling. This calls out for careful biting and chewing. Immediately after the procedure, avoid eating hard and sticky food.

Biting hard food can fracture or weaken the filling, while sticky food can make the filling susceptible to cavities or, in worse cases, pull out the filling.

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks

Besides triggering sensitivity around the filling, sugary foods can encourage bacteria’s growth, which can cause tooth decay. If you must use take such food and drinks, make sure to brush or floss thoroughly. Immediately after the procedure, you can avoid certain drinks such as coffee, tea, or wine as they can the filling. (Smoking can also stain your fillings)

• Avoid very hot or cold food and beverages

Eating or drinking hot or cold food and drinks can trigger sensitivity around the filling – it’s also not great for the rest of the teeth. Always take food and drinks at moderate temperature.

• Take OTC Medication if Needed

Your dentist can prescribe painkillers to help in case of pain and discomfort after the procedure. If you don’t have a prescription, you can buy over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.

Final Verdict

If you need a dental filling or have an issue with your teeth or filling, contact your dentist immediately. You can visit Rifle Dental Care clinic for a dental implant or filling aftercare and treatment in Rifle, CO.