Summary:
Over 25% of the American population has untreated dental decay!
Dental decay can adversely affect oral health when left untreated for a more extended period. When it comes to such a situation, your best option is getting a cavity filled.
Dental fillings are a great way to end cavities, restore oral health, and smile.
In this blog, we take a closer look at:
- Why Dental Fillings Procedure Demand Caution?
- Dos And Don’ts After Tooth Filling
- Tips To Chew Food Post Fillings
- How Do You Manage Tooth Sensitivity?
Let’s learn more about teeth filling aftercare in the following sections.
Introduction:
Dental fillings are the most common restorative procedure for adults and children. Getting dental fill-ins can help you preserve your oral health and make the most of your smile.
Interestingly, however, most people have no idea what to do after a tooth-filling procedure.
Keeping the same in mind, we’ve explored different aspects of the teeth-filling process. Let’s get started!
Why Dental Fillings Procedure Demand Caution?
A dental or composite filling (a tooth filling) is a typical restorative dentistry therapy. The teeth filing procedure focuses on repairing teeth damaged by tooth decay.
Fillings restore teeth’ health and integrity while preventing more significant complications such as severe tooth pain, loss, and dental infections. Cavity fillings also help to avoid the need for root canals and tooth extractions by preventing decay from spreading.
Now that we know about the sealant procedure, let’s focus on the dos and don’ts after the treatment.
Dos And Don’ts After Tooth Filling
Do Eat With Caution
After you undergo a tooth-filling procedure, be careful about what you consume. Since composite white fillings are set quickly, you can drink and eat them after some time.
However, if you’re worried about how long can you eat after fillings, here’s your answer:
It is typical for your tooth to be sensitive following a filling, and this fades typically within 24-48 hours. Waiting at least 2 hours after a filling before eating is preferable. Furthermore, refrain from ingesting hot or cold meals or beverages until the anesthetic has worn off.
Following your surgery, the teeth-filling dentist might recommend various food alternatives. They can promote scrambled eggs, crackers, soup, and soft cheeses. Wait for any swelling or soreness to go down before eating.
Do Not Eat Chewy, Hard, and Sticky Foods
Your fillings might not be able to handle chewy or sticky meals right away. Based on the type of fillings you obtain, your dentist will advise you on the best time to eat particular foods.
For instance, if you have silver fillings, you must wait 24 hours before eating difficult foods. So, start with liquid foods to help you keep your dental appliance.
Do Take Pain Relievers If You Experience Discomfort, Pain, or Tooth Sensitivity
Taking the right pain relievers is an essential step in tooth filling aftercare. You may have minor to severe pain and discomfort following a tooth filling. Swelling and soreness usually subside within 12 hours. But you don’t have to wait till then to get some relief.
To alleviate pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact your dentist if the discomfort or sensitivity persists for more than 24 hours. They must inspect the filling to verify that no infection is forming.
Do Check Your Bite
It is critical to check your bite after receiving fillings. You must determine whether there is any unevenness or pain. Dental fillings come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Composite dental fillings, for example, solidify instantly. Determining whether your bite will mix in with your other teeth is critical. If you discover any imbalances, notify your dentist so that they can correct the problem.
Do Not Take Beverages or Food Before the Anesthetic Wears Off
When the anesthesia is still in effect, your dentist will urge you not to consume hot food or beverages. This will assist you in avoiding unintentionally harming the tooth-filling site. Wait until you fully recover your senses before taking your liquids and meals.
This will prevent you from putting undue pressure on the teeth after filling. Additionally, you may prevent biting your tongue, cheeks, and lips by waiting for the anesthesia to wear off. Your dentist will recommend the optimal time to eat your first meal after the filling.
Do Not Grind on Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth or experiencing sleep bruxism might reduce the longevity of your dental fillings. Make every effort to resist the impulse. However, seek medical attention if you cannot manage your teeth grinding because it occurs automatically. Your dentist can provide a mouth guard to prevent you from grinding your teeth while sleeping.
Tips To Chew Food Post Fillings
Paying attention to how you eat can significantly alleviate your pain after a teeth-filling procedure. Here are a few tips to help you chew food post-fillings:
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Chew your food by keeping it on the opposite side of your filling:
To minimize discomfort and injury, avoid chewing with the tooth that has recently been filled.
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Chew slowly, bite lightly:
Take your time and avoid biting all the way through. Chewing causes a lot of pressure because your top and bottom teeth press together. You can reduce discomfort by keeping your jaw relaxed.
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Keep your mouth closed:
This isn’t only to be polite; chilly air can occasionally cause discomfort in sensitive teeth.
How Do You Manage Tooth Sensitivity?
It is typical for your tooth and the surrounding region to feel sensitive following a dental filling.
This generally resolves itself within 24-48 hours. However, you may use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for after-filling care. This will also aid in the relief of swelling and aching gums.
Apply a nutritious lip balm and drink lots of water if your lips are dry or damaged following treatment. You may be required to wait 2 hours after your operation before eating drinks.
Takeaway
- Over 25% of the American population has untreated dental decay.
- A dental or composite filling (a tooth filling) is a typical restorative dentistry therapy.
- It is common for your tooth and the surrounding region to feel sensitive following a dental filling.
- Paying attention to how you eat can significantly alleviate your pain after a teeth-filling procedure.
- Ensure you achieve the ideal smile by consulting our expert smile dentists at Main Street Dentistry in Tupelo.