How to Care for Your Teeth After a Dental Filling?

What Is a Dental Filling?

It is a procedure that uses different materials to repair and restore damaged, decayed or traumatized teeth. They are commonly called cavity fillings because of their popularity in restoring teeth after dental cavities and tooth decay. A dental fillings in Brampton fill the cavity or hole when a tooth is diseased, infected, or damaged.

What Is the Procedure for Getting Dental Fillings?

The procedure involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, cleaning the area, and then filling the cavity with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. The dentist then shapes and polishes the filling material to match the shape and color of the surrounding tooth.

During the treatment, you may need to wear a temporary filling for a few days before the permanent one is ready. It usually applies when you opt for porcelain dental fillings, which take some time to prepare in the laboratory. However, for the rest of the materials, like composite and amalgams, one dental visit is enough.

What Happens After A Dental Filling Procedure?

As with any other dental work, anticipate a few changes in your mouth after a dental filling procedure. Usually, you are likely to experience some temporary side effects that will affect you during the first few days after dental fillings. Generally, these temporary side effects are usually nothing to worry about as they should resolve on their own. Some of the side effects include:

1. Sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks – is because the filling material can conduct temperature changes to the nerve inside the tooth. Besides, the dental work itself may cause your treated tooth to be more sensitive than before.
2. Pain or discomfort in the treated tooth or the surrounding gum tissue
3. Color changes – some types of filling materials may cause a temporary discoloration
4. Swelling and mild tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding the treated tooth
5. Bite sensitivity – often a difficulty biting or chewing well after getting a filling

​Tips for Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort After a Filling

Some tips for managing sensitivity and discomfort after getting a dental filling in Brampton, ON, are:

1. Avoid consuming hot or cold food and drinks for the first few days after the procedure. Instead, stick to room temperature or lukewarm foods and beverages.
2. Use desensitizing toothpaste that can help reduce sensitivity. These toothpastes contain ingredients that block the transmission of pain signals to the nerve inside the tooth.
3. Avoid eating sticky or hard foods that put pressure on the treated tooth.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
5. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the instructions on the package and only take the recommended dosage.
6. Avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth until the filling has fully settled.
7. Contact your dentist if the symptoms persist – they may need to adjust the filling, replace it, or recommend additional treatment.

​Best Practices for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene and Prolonging the Life of Your Filling

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prolong the life of your filling and prevent future dental problems. Here are some best practices for maintaining good oral hygiene:

1. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent decay.
2. Floss daily – removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Be gentle when flossing around the filling to avoid dislodging it.
3. Use Mouthwash to help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. Look for a fluoride mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
4. Limit sugary foods and drinks – they can lead to tooth decay and can cause the filling to break down more quickly. If you consume sugary foods and drinks, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
5. Avoid hard or sticky foods, like hard candy, ice, or sticky candy.
6. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night – it prevents damage to your fillings and teeth.
7. Visit your Brampton dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings – they can help detect problems early and prevent them from worsening. At Bramwest Dental, we also check the condition of your filling and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.