What You Must Avoid after Getting Your Teeth Filled
Dental fillings are remarkable because they restore a tooth’s function and aesthetics post-procedure. Your enamel is better than even, so you can confidently speak, eat, and do the things you enjoy. But don’t hit the ground running just yet. Consider these after-care tips that help you preserve your dental fillings and prevent any other dental problems in the future.
Avoid These Foods
For up to two weeks, avoid tough, sticky, sweet foods and beverages if you have a silver filling. If you experience sensitivity to heat or cold, avoid hot or cold foods and drinks.
Patients often ask dentists what they can eat after getting a filling. The answer depends on the material of the filling installed.
Composite fillings cure instantly under the blue light. That's why patients can resume eating immediately.
Metal fillings do not cure instantly, and patients usually have to wait at least 24 hours after the filling before eating solids to wear off.
Don’t Bite Too Hard
You can break your new dental fillings by biting down too hard, especially when your oral cavity doesn’t feel as normal as it used to. You do not need to do this because your new crowns are less robust than your natural teeth.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth Either
If you habitually grind your teeth, which is known as bruxism, you can damage the surfaces of your new dental fillings. You might need a custom-fit mouthguard for added protection or braces to provide a long-term solution to bruxism.
Don’t Mind the Discomfort
The anesthetic will wear off after a few hours, and it might not be as comfortable as you’d expect once your jaw starts moving or the new filling starts working its way up into the tooth.
You may also notice that the filling seems higher than usual or that some sharp edges need to be smoothed out. Contact your dentist to address these issues immediately to prevent further gum damage.
Follow These After-Care Instructions
While technically fake teeth, it is essential that you care for your filling just as you would natural teeth.
As you would brush them at least twice a day, you should brush your dental fillings the same way.
Additionally, make sure to floss daily to keep the space between your tooth and filling clean.
Ensure that you keep up with your routine checkups and cleanups so your dentist can check on your filling and make sure it stays in good condition.
Ignore the Numbness
Post-dental fillings, your mouth will feel numb. Avoid chewing the numb side because you could end up biting your tongue, cheeks, or lips. Let the numbness from the anesthesia wear off naturally. What you’re feeling is normal.
Ignore the Sensitivity, Too
New dental fillings are expected to make air and cold or hot things feel more sensitive for up to three weeks. You may also notice increased sensitivity from biting on the filling, mainly if the filling is for a deeper cavity.
It is rare for dentists to remove all sensitivity following a filling. One trick that works is to change toothpaste brands. Another recommendation is to avoid very hot or cold foods and chew food on the other side of your mouth for the first few weeks. If the sensitivity does not disappear after two weeks, contact your dentist immediately for a proper solution.
Contact G-Dental32 When Your Fillings Feel a Little Off
Dental fillings improve the longevity and comfort of teeth that have been weakened by decay. However, it is entirely normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure. Follow these post-procedure tips to ensure your dental fillings stay in great shape.
But if any of the above symptoms persist, contact G-Dental32 immediately for an emergency checkup. We offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and dental fillings in Denver. Book your appointment with us right now!
