Aftercare for a Dental Filling

A dental filling can be used to stop cavities that have formed on your teeth from expanding further. Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth convert the sugars in food particles stuck on teeth into acids that eat away at teeth enamel.

All cavities start as extremely tiny holes, but they will continue to expand when left untreated. The cavity will eventually comprise the pulp chamber, where teeth nerves and blood vessels are housed, leaving teeth vulnerable to being infected by oral bacteria. A dental filling can help prevent all this from happening, and it is one of the most affordable treatments performed by dentists.

Not treating a cavity leads to higher dental bills because more extensive treatments are needed as teeth become more damaged. Treatments like root canals might be needed to save the tooth, or it might have to be extracted if it is infected and the infection looks like it might spread to other areas of the body. Signs and symptoms that come with cavities include toothaches, bad breath, increased sensitivity, strange taste in the mouth and pain when eating.

Taking care of your dental filling

Dental fillings can last over 20 years when the restorations are properly cared for. There is no recovery period after getting a filling, so patients are free to return to their regular activities. Some patients might experience increased teeth sensitivity following their treatment.

What patients should do after getting fillings

Avoid eating while under the effects of the local anesthetic. That can lead to cuts to soft tissues in the mouth, like the cheeks. It usually takes a few hours for the effects of a local anesthetic to wear off.

Silver amalgam fillings take up to 24 hours to set, so those who get them should avoid eating on that side of the mouth for a day. Composite resin fillings set immediately, so there is no need for this.

Patients might notice increased sensitivity after getting fillings. This should go away within a few days. Desensitizing oral hygiene products can be used to reduce teeth sensitivity.

Patients should practice good oral hygiene after getting dental fillings. This helps prevent tooth decay from forming around the areas where teeth surfaces and the filling meet. Decay here can lead to fillings becoming loose, putting the tooth being protected at risk.

Patients should avoid extremely hot and cold foods for the first few days after getting fillings. Patients should get biannual dental checkups so the dentist can regularly monitor their restorations and determine when they need repairs or replacement.

Put cavities behind you

Dealing with toothaches or discomfort caused by cavities? Dental fillings might be all that you need to put the pain behind you and prevent the cavity from getting worse. It takes less than an hour to restore a tooth with fillings, and you get to leave the clinic with your smile restored. Call or visit our Forest Hills clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://metrosmiles.com or call Metro Smiles Dental at (718) 841-9591 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.

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