Tips of Taking Care of Dental Fillings

When you have mild to moderate dental cavities, the dental fillings can help restore the integrity of the teeth. The dentist will remove the infected part, and replace it with the teeth fillings. But, how can you take care of the teeth fillings once they are fixed? Here are a few tips:

1.Be Careful And Mindful

The dentist usually uses local anesthesia when fixing the fillings. But, after the procedure, you will not be able to feel your cheeks or gums. It is important to avoid eating for a few hours after the fillings are fixed. This will protect you from biting and hurting your cheeks and tongue.

Also, it will take time for the fillings to settle in, so pay attention to the pressure you use when chewing. The amalgam filling feels soft when you bite while the composite ones may feel a bit hard. Give yourself a few hours to get used to the fillings. Do not put too much pressure on the teeth in the first few hours.

2.Watch What You Eat

It will take time for you to adapt to the new fillings, so it is crucial to eat soft foods in the first few hours. Also, when chewing use one side of the mouth (the part without fillings), to avoid damaging or hurting the gums.

3.Stay Away from Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages 

When you first get your fillings, don’t take hot or cold foods to avoid hurting your gums or causing teeth sensitivity. You need to stay away from such foods if you have amalgam fillings. These dental restorations usually expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold temperatures.

4.Focus on Hygiene 

This is important in maintaining your teeth and gums healthy. Keeping brushing and flossing as you normally do, and use mouth rinse too. When brushing, make sure you clean the treated area but use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Be careful when flossing, but try not to floss the new fillings 24 hours after the procedure.

5.Visit the Dentist if The Fillings Comes Loose

Our dentist will do the best to file down the rough edges. However, you may notice residue of the filling in your mouth a few hours after the procedure. But, if you notice any large parts of the fillings, it could be a sign the fillings are loose. Visit our dentist when you notice the fillings coming loose. You may need a refiling or replacement of the filling.

What are the Types of Fillings Available?

Various type of fillings are available that you can choose from like:

• Amalgam fillings. These fillings are a mixture of different metals and are resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand heavy chewing, hence making them a perfect fit for the back teeth. The dentist may also use these fillings beneath the gums or other areas that are hard to keep dry. The fillings have a dark color, which makes them noticeable. There have been concerns about the levels of mercury in these fillings. However, the ADA has reported that the fillings are safe for use.
• The gold fillings. They are durable and can withstand the pressure exerted on the teeth. However, because of the color, these fillings are used on the back teeth.
• Porcelain fillings. They have a natural teeth color and therefore will resemble your teeth. But, they are a bit expensive than the rest of the fillings.
• Composite resin fillings. They also match your natural teeth. But, they are less durable and mostly use on the front teeth.

How Are the Fillings Fixed?

Fixing the filling is done in a single visit, but you may require multiple visits, depending on the severity of the decay.

The dentist will first numb the gums and use either a drill or laser instrument to remove the decayed area. He will test the area to determine if all the decay is removed. The dentist will then prepare the area for the filling. Finally, the fillings are polished.

Schedule an Appointment 

Visit Whitaker Family Dentistry for more information on dental fillings and our general dentistry services.