The Do’s and Don’ts After Getting Dental Fillings

Cavity treatment remains the number one reason why patients seek out a family dentist in Morton, IL. It occurs when tooth decay leads to tiny holes in the outermost layer of your teeth called the enamel. When these holes aren’t treated, they can progress and penetrate the layers beneath the enamel.

If the problem isn’t managed, it will inevitably go down into the dental pulp, located within the chamber of your tooth that houses connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Treating cavities in their early stages is necessary to avoid complications. The standard treatment for a dental cavity is a filling.  

Rules to Follow After Getting a Dental Filling

What Is a Dental Filling?  

A dental filling is a method of restoring your tooth’s structure, function, and beauty after being damaged by cavities. In a dental filling procedure, your dentist will first remove the decayed areas of the affected tooth and disinfect the site. Then once the cavity is thoroughly cleaned, a filling material is added to preserve its strength and structure.  

What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?

Today, you can choose from a wide array of materials used to make dental fillings. Some of your options include silver amalgam (mercury mixed with copper, zinc, and tin), gold, composite resin, and porcelain fillings.  

What Should You Do After Getting a Dental Filling?  

Do’s  

• Do be selective in the foods you consume after getting a filling. It doesn’t matter what material you opt for, whether it’s gold, amalgam, or porcelain. The same rule applies to all.  

Dentists recommend soft foods like soft cheeses, yogurt, scrambled eggs, crackers, and soups as they require less chewing. If swelling and pain are present, you may want to wait a while before you start eating.  

Most dentists suggest you wait at least a day after getting a filling before you can resume eating solid foods.  

• Do take over-the-counter pain medications if you experience tooth sensitivity, discomfort, or pain following a dental filling procedure. But don’t fret because the pain usually subsides after 12 hours.  

You may take OTC painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, if the pain doesn’t dwindle and if it continues to intensify for more than 24 hours, you should notify your dentist to have your filling checked to ensure that there is no infection.  

Don’ts

• Don’t eat chewy, hard, and sticky foods for 14 days. Also, don’t consume hot or cold food and drinks during the first few days after the procedure. You should also avoid foods that require a lot of chewing and biting, like red meat. Furthermore, you should also avoid highly acidic foods to reduce your risk of infection.  

• Don’t be afraid to brush and floss your teeth. Most patients are worried that brushing and flossing might irritate the area, but they won’t as long as you are gentle. Keeping the site clean is one of your priorities to avoid infection.  

See a Family Dentist in Morton, IL!

Besides causing pain, cavities can result in tooth loss if left untreated. A dental filling is a conservative method of restoring your tooth’s appeal and function.  

At Smalltown Dental, our goal is simple – we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the dental care you need. We have a team of doctors who have dedicated years of training and experience to help boost and maintain your oral health. Contact us today for an appointment.