Having a dental filling is a great procedure in restoring your smile once you are done with the treatment of the cavities. However, as you leave the office of the dentist, your work is not over. Caring well for your tooth after a filling will help it to last longer and maintain good oral health. This blog will enlighten you on all you need to know about keeping your mouth healthy after a filling.
Your dentist has removed the rotten part of your tooth and replaced it with special material. To make this filling last longer, it should be taken care of.
Various fillings require varied care. Some adhere directly to your tooth, and others require grip. Whichever type they are, good dental filling care can guarantee long-lasting, healthy teeth
The success of your cavity treatment is in how well you follow the recommendations of your dentist. It takes your tooth some time to become accustomed to the new filling.
It will take approximately 2 to 4 hours after your visit before you can feel normal in your mouth.
Your tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold things as the numbness fades off. Within several days, it improves because your tooth gets accustomed to the filling.
Contact your dentist when you experience pain or sensitivity that lasts for over one week. This may be an indication of an issue that should be treated on time.
Solid food should be avoided until it feels normal to eat. Begin with soft food and gradually resume hard food when you feel comfortable. Avoid very hot or cold food and beverages during the initial days (up to two days).
Brush twice daily with the help of toothpaste containing fluoride. Give special attention to the filled tooth. When you floss well, new cavities will be prevented at the edges of your filling.
Never use your teeth to open something or crack nuts. Such habits can lead to cracking in your teeth, and repairing such broken teeth is an expensive process. In case you are grinding your teeth at night, consult your dentist on the use of a mouth guard. Fillings may crack or be knocked out after being ground.
Visit your dentist at intervals of six months. Such visits enable early detection of problems and maintain your filling in good condition.
Some individuals feel that their bite feels uncomfortable after a filling. This can easily be corrected by your dentist by making adjustments to the level of the filling in case it is uneven or uncomfortable.
It is normal to be sensitive to sweet foods at first, but it ought to improve. If it gets worse, there is a possibility that you may have to visit your dentist once again. In case your filling has some sharp edges or rough parts, it may irritate your tongue or cheek. Your dentist will be able to smooth these out.
A sharp pain that does not improve with pain medicine could indicate that the nerve of your tooth is damaged or infected. Seek urgent care in case you experience terrible pain that does not resolve.
In case your filling cracks, chips, or even falls out, contact your dentist immediately. The tooth that is exposed may become damaged or decay more easily. It must be addressed as soon as possible. In this case, swelling, fever, or other indications of infection can occur around your tooth.
Consume fewer acidic and sugary foods, which may rot something around your filling. The bacteria present in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid that may cause your teeth to weaken. Consume plenty of water in a day to flush out the food particles and bacteria. Water will also keep your mouth moist.
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake as it may slow down the healing process and predispose you to infection. Smoking is also harmful for fillings. Learn to cope with stress, since being under stress may cause you to grind or clench your teeth, and this damages the work done on your teeth.
During regular visits, your dentist examines around your filling to check for signs of wear or leakage, or new decay. Identifying issues on time prevents the occurrence of major issues.
Share with your dental team any changes or concerns you have. They may provide you with advice that is right for your case.
Request your dentist for the fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth around your filling. It can benefit you in many ways. Fluorides help you avoid the occurrence of new cavities around your present fillings. Your dentist may suggest that other teeth that are prone to getting cavities should be fitted with sealants.
The best thing you can do for your oral hygiene is regular professional cleaning. After the procedure, you feel clean and fresh for not just a short time. The advantages can last for a very long time if you take good care of your teeth afterwards.
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