How to Care for New Dental Fillings

After someone has had a cavity and their dentist has completed the processing of dental fillings, there is some after-care that will benefit the healing process. However, fillings nowadays are much easier to complete and do not typically take longer than an hour in total.

Once a dental filling has been applied to the tooth, the aftercare is actually actively simple and a person should do the following:

The gum tissue around the tooth

After having a filling completed, the gum tissue around the tooth may still be sore. This could be from the anesthetic being injected into the area around the tooth, or from the procedure itself. One of the most beneficial things a person can do is to apply a cold compress to the cheek outside the area where the tooth is located.

One thing to remember is to never touch or poke the tooth where the filling was placed. Doing this could bring harmful bacteria in and around the tooth and cause unneeded healing to the area. Simply swish the mouth with warm salt water if there are any irritations then spit to rid the mouth of the bacteria or particles.

Silver fillings can be a bit different

A person's dentist will let them know which type of filling was used. It is important that if a silver filling was used that there is no chewing on the tooth for at least 24 hours after the procedure. However, some alternative filling materials can withstand chewing soft foods after a certain amount of time, silver fillings are not one of them.

It is best to keep a liquid food diet and drink lukewarm drinks that will not cause any hot or cold sensitivity pain. By doing this the person will give the area time to heal as well as to not disturb the newly inserted and bonded filling in in the tooth.

What about composite fillings?

Composite white fillings are different in how they adhere and bond with a tooth. After the anesthesia wears off from the area, dentists have explained that it is okay to go ahead and eat on the tooth. For anyone who has gotten a silver filling in the past, this can seem out of place and like incorrect information. However, white fillings are created using a very different material that makes it safe to continue eating like normal only hours after the procedure.

What other things should I know?

When getting a filling, whether silver or white composite, the dentist will outline all of the procedure and aftercare that needs to be done. It is important to remember and follow these guidelines from the time that you leave the dentist's office until the time-period they set forth is done.

If you have any additional questions about getting a filling and any aftercare that needs to be done, reach out to our office and we can help.

We are always more than glad to help answer any additional questions you may have before getting a filling. We can also help with letting you know what kind, if any, aftercare routines and schedules need to be followed. Contact us today and we would be glad to help!

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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