Dental Fillings help regains the function, form, and aesthetics of decayed or damaged teeth. When you get a dental filling, you need to take special care of it in the short and long terms. By properly caring for your dental fillings, you can minimize the risk of further cavities and also prevent damage to your current dental fillings.
After the dental filling procedure, your anesthesia may wear off approximately in 1 to 3 hours. It is very important not to chew on the filling side to prevent biting tongue, lip, etc. until the anesthesia wears off.
Amalgam, Gold, and composite fillings may take about 24-48 hours to set.
Glass ionomers may set within 3 hours of filling, but it can take 48 hours for them to feel hard.
Ceramic fillings may set immediately with the help of a blue dental light.
Ask our dentist if you need to take pain medication to manage sensitivity. Follow our dentist’s instructions for taking pain relievers after a filling. Generally, sensitivity will improve within one week.
Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages because they can disrupt the bond of fillings. Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods and, if possible, try to chew the food on opposite side of the mouth from where your filling is. Biting exerts more pressure on the teeth, and this can make them very sore after you get a filling. While chewing your food, take your own time and try not to bite all the way through and this can prevent your teeth from making forceful contact.
Brushing and flossing every day and after meals can maintain your teeth, fillings, and gums. If you can't brush after each meal try to rinse your mouth with water and increase your water intake. Try to avoid smoking and chewing tobacco because they can also stain your fillings and teeth just as tea, coffee and wine can. If you drink any of these beverages try to brush your teeth after having them to prevent staining.
If you have multiple dental fillings, ask our dentist to prescribe you a fluoride toothpaste or gel. Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and to protect your teeth from new cavities. Avoid toothpaste and mouthwashes containing alcohol because they can decrease the durability of fillings and even stain them.
If you are having a habit of grinding and clenching your teeth at night, you may damage your teeth and also fillings. Grinding wears out the teeth in the form of chips and cracks and can cause tooth sensitivity whereas nail biting, holding objects in your teeth and opening bottle caps are also bad habits. Try to avoid them.
Get regular dental cleanings and dental checkups from our dentist as it is an integral part of your oral health. See our dentist more often if you are having any problems in your dental fillings.
