Dental Fillings Do's and Don'ts

After getting a filling from your dentist, it is important to take certain precautions and observe proper protocols to ensure it is successful. Doing and not doing certain things will help protect the filling and keep your mouth healthy:

Dental Filling Dos

• Continue practicing proper dental hygiene: While fillings do a great job of plugging a hole or deep pits in your enamel and can last up to 25 years, they can still suffer from wear and tear, especially if not taken care of properly. 

You don't have to wait a while to brush or floss your teeth after a dental filling. You should keep the area clean as usual if you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth. So, maintain your dental hygiene routine by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. These habits minimize the buildup of acid that erodes your pearly whites and fillings.

• Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications if you feel any pain, discomfort, or sensitivity: After the dental procedure, it is not uncommon to have some tenderness and soreness in the area treated. Generally, the discomfort should ease within the next 12 hours, and you should be able to eat whatever you want without experiencing any tooth sensitivity or irritation.

If you've had a dental filling, taking an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help soothe any lingering pain or discomfort.

If your pain, sensitivity, or discomfort persists after 24 hours, it is important to contact your dentist to make an appointment to investigate the filling further. This will help to ensure that no infection has occurred.

• Contact your dentist when suffering from a sudden toothache: If your tooth has been hurting for a while, even after taking OTC medications for 24 hours, it could be a sign that the decay has gone too far and is now affecting the nerve of your tooth. You may need a root canal procedure to fix the problem. Don't wait; contact your dentist as soon as possible to have it taken care of. 

Dental Filling Don’ts

• Don’t return to your normal diet first: Be mindful of what you consume shortly after getting a filling. If a composite white filling is used, you can eat and drink immediately since the material hardens when exposed to the dentist's special blue light. However, if other fillings were used, it may be wiser to wait a little while before consuming anything.

Following a tooth filling, it's best to choose foods that don't require a lot of chewing. Soups, scrambled eggs, and soft pasta are good options. If you experience any pain or swelling, it's best to wait until it's reduced before eating.

• Don’t eat anything acidic, tough, hard, sticky, or chewy: It is also important to avoid ingesting anything too hot or cold for a few days after getting a dental filling. You should avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that require you to take large bites or chew a lot. You should also stay away from acidic foods to prevent infection and erosion.

Sealing the Deal

Your tooth or teeth have gotten a second lease thanks to timely dental fillings. You can keep that restorative procedure long-lasting by applying the dos and don’ts of this article. Just remember: watch what you eat for the next week and practice proper dental hygiene!

You Deserve Pearly Whites Courtesy of Taylor Made Smiles

Our dentist in Monroe, GA, offers safe, trusted, and effective fillings that result in a perfect smile. Book your appointment by calling (770) 762-6401 or emailing dentist@taylormadesmilesmonroe.com!