A new dental filling restores tooth structure, and smart aftercare helps it last. Understanding the importance of care and maintenance after you get a new filling can significantly improve your dental health and overall well-being. The following tips can help you maintain optimal oral hygiene to protect and extend the lifespan of your dental fillings.
Patients should expect some mild numbness for a few hours. They should avoid biting their cheeks or tongue until their regular sensation returns. If the bite feels high once the anesthetic wears off, the patient should schedule a follow-up appointment with their dentist to remove some of the filling material, which can prevent stress cracks and lingering tenderness in or around the tooth.
Additionally, there may be increased sensitivity to temperature or pressure for the first few days as the restoration settles into the tooth. To ease this discomfort, patients can chew on the opposite side of the new filling, allowing them to protect the filling from potential damage and adjust to how it feels.
In the first few days after the filling, patients should plan to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods to protect the newly restored tooth and reduce sensitivity. If the filling is composite resin, it hardens during placement. However, a cautious approach still supports comfort and function. Patients should avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as hard and sticky foods such as candies, nuts, and popcorn. Instead, the patient should consume small bites of the following foods:
As their comfort improves, individuals can gradually reintroduce other foods and drinks to their diet. These choices reduce stress on the dental filling and support a comfortable transition back to their regular diet.
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling bristles toward the gumline. Floss once a day, sliding gently under the contact to clean where a toothbrush cannot reach. If floss snags, the contact may require polishing, or the edge may need smoothing and refinement. Additionally, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash in the evening can strengthen the enamel near the restoration.
For individuals who habitually grind or clench their teeth, medically referred to as bruxism, the dentist may recommend the use of a night guard. This custom oral appliance acts as a protective barrier between the patient's upper and lower arch. The night guard can protect the teeth from the damaging forces that can fracture fillings and lead to wear on the surrounding teeth.
While most dental filling procedures do not cause complications, some signs may indicate the need to call a dental professional. These symptoms include:
Individuals should also seek care promptly after experiencing any dental trauma to the restored dilling, such as biting a hard object or a direct hit to the mouth.
With attentive self-care and professional support, a dental filling can contribute to strong function and a confident smile for years to come. Would you like more tips on caring for your new filling? Call our Chattanooga office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.riverfrontdentalassociates.com or call Riverfront Dental Associates at (423) 303-7869 for an appointment in our Chattanooga office.
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