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Dental fillings are intended to restore the shape, functionality, and aesthetic appearance of teeth that have been decayed or damaged for any reason. After receiving a filling, it’s crucial to follow special care routines both in the short term and long term. Proper oral health care can minimize the risk of tooth decay and prevent damage to the newly filled area.
Steps
Caring for a Newly Filled Tooth
Understand the time required for the filling to harden. There are various types of dental fillings, and each requires a different hardening time. Knowing this duration will help you understand how long you need to provide special care to avoid damaging the newly filled area.
- Fillings made of gold, amalgam, or composite typically take 24-48 hours to harden.
- Porcelain fillings harden immediately but require exposure to a dental blue LED light.
- Glass ionomer materials can harden within 3 hours but need up to 48 hours to fully set.
Take pain relievers if necessary. You can use over-the-counter pain medication before the anesthesia wears off and continue taking it until the filling area feels less painful. These medications also help reduce swelling.
- Consult your dentist about pain relievers to manage post-procedure sensitivity. Follow the instructions on the packaging or your dentist’s advice regarding pain medication after a dental filling.
- Typically, sensitivity around the filled area will subside within a week.
Avoid eating and drinking until the anesthesia wears off. Your mouth will remain numb for several hours after the filling procedure due to the use of local anesthesia. If possible, refrain from eating or drinking until the numbness subsides to avoid accidentally injuring yourself.
- Since your mouth is numb, you might not feel the temperature of hot foods or accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or tongue.
- If you must eat or drink, opt for soft foods like yogurt or porridge, and stick to plain water. Try chewing on the side of your mouth without the filling to avoid damaging it or biting your cheek.
Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks. Your teeth and the filled area may remain sensitive for a few days after the procedure. Therefore, avoid consuming very hot or cold items to prevent pain and protect the new filling.
- Extreme temperatures can negatively affect the bonding of the filling. Composite materials, often used in fillings, require at least 24 hours to fully bond, so stick to lukewarm foods and drinks during this period.
- Hot or cold items can cause the filling material to expand or contract, especially problematic with metal fillings. This can compromise the adhesion, shape, and strength of the filling, leading to cracks or leaks.
- Allow hot foods like soup or baked goods, and beverages like coffee or tea, to cool before consuming.
Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods. You should avoid these types of foods for a few days after getting a filling. Candies, pastries, and raw vegetables can cause issues and may even dislodge the filling.
- Hard foods can crack the filling or the tooth itself, while sticky foods can cling to the newly filled surface, increasing the risk of decay.
- Food particles stuck between teeth can weaken the filling and raise the risk of cavities. To prevent this, rinse your mouth after eating and use a fluoride antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
Chew on the opposite side of the filled tooth. For the first day or two, chew on the side of your mouth opposite to the filling to ensure it fully hardens and avoid damage.
Check for high spots on the filling. When your dentist fills a tooth, there’s a chance they might apply too much material. Test for any raised areas by gently biting down. Inform your dentist if you notice a high spot to prevent potential cracks or discomfort later.
- High spots on the filling can prevent you from closing your mouth or chewing properly. They may also cause issues like pain, difficulty chewing on the side with the filling, cracked fillings, earaches, or clicking sounds in the jaw joint.
Contact your dentist if you experience any issues. Reach out to your dentist if you notice problems with your teeth, mouth, or the filling to rule out underlying causes and prevent further damage.
- Watch for the following symptoms and inform your dentist if they occur:
- Sensitivity in the filled tooth
- Cracks in the filling
- The filling falling out or chipping
- Discoloration of the tooth or filling
- Noticing the filling feels loose or that water seeps around its edges when you drink.
Daily Care for the Filling
Brush and floss daily, including after meals. This habit helps maintain the health of your teeth, gums, and fillings. A clean oral environment also reduces the likelihood of needing future fillings and prevents unsightly stains.
- Brush and floss after meals whenever possible. Plaque buildup creates an environment for cavities to form and damage existing fillings. If a toothbrush isn’t available, chew sugar-free gum as an alternative.
- Coffee, tea, and alcohol can stain fillings and teeth. If you consume these, brush your teeth afterward to keep your mouth clean.
- Smoking can also cause yellowing of teeth and fillings.
Limit consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. These contribute to the need for fillings, and reducing their intake can improve oral health. Decay can easily develop beneath existing fillings. Over time, fillings may weaken and leak, so maintaining a healthy diet and good hygiene is crucial to prevent decay under the filling. Brushing after eating is an effective way to avoid future fillings.
- If you can’t brush your teeth at school, rinse your mouth instead. Drink more water, avoid snacking, and steer clear of sticky foods.
- Adopt a balanced and healthy diet, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which promote overall and oral health.
- Some healthy foods, like citrus fruits, are acidic. You can still eat them but in moderation, and remember to brush afterward. Consider diluting their juices with water in a 50/50 ratio.
- Examples of foods high in both sugar and acid include sodas, candies, and alcohol. Sports drinks, energy drinks, and coffee with sugar should also be consumed sparingly.
Use fluoride gel. If you’ve had multiple fillings, ask your dentist to prescribe a fluoride gel or toothpaste. Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay and improves overall oral health.
- Fluoride gel or toothpaste also strengthens tooth enamel, extending the lifespan of your fillings.
Avoid mouthwash and toothpaste containing alcohol. These products can weaken the durability of fillings or cause them to discolor. Opt for alcohol-free, dye-free toothpaste and mouthwash to avoid these issues.
- You can find alcohol-free toothpaste and mouthwash at supermarkets, pharmacies, or online retailers.
Avoid teeth grinding. Many people grind their teeth at night, which can damage teeth or fillings. If this applies to you, consult your dentist about using a mouthguard.
- Teeth grinding wears down fillings, leading to sensitivity, chipping, or cracking.
- Biting nails, opening bottles, or holding objects with your teeth are also harmful habits. Avoid these to protect your teeth and fillings.
Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These are essential for maintaining oral health. Visit your dentist at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have ongoing dental or filling issues.
Tips
- Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining and protecting your dental health.
