Dental fillings allow you to restore the shape, functionality and good aesthetic appearance of damaged or decayed teeth. Once a tooth is filled, it is necessary to give it special care in the short and long term. If you are careful about your oral health, you can minimize the risk of other cavities and also prevent possible damage to existing fillings.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Taking Care of a New Filling
Step 1. Find out how long it will take for the filling to stabilize and harden properly
There are different types of fillings and each of these requires different periods to harden according to the material used; knowing these details allows you to understand how long you will need to pay particular attention to your filling and thus avoid causing damage.
- Gold fillings, amalgam fillings and composite resins take approximately 24-48 hours to stabilize.
- The ceramic ones are fixed immediately with the help of a curing lamp.
- Glass ionomer fillings begin to harden in the first 3 hours, but it can take up to 48 hours before they are completely hard.
Step 2. Take pain relievers if needed
You can take over-the-counter medications before the effect of the anesthesia starts to wear off, and you can continue taking them until tooth sensitivity decreases. Pain relievers are helpful in relieving swelling and pain you may experience.
- Ask your dentist about the need to take pain relievers to manage tooth sensitivity after surgery. Follow the directions on the package or the dentist's instructions regarding dosage.
- Tooth sensitivity generally subsides within a week.
Step 3. Avoid consuming food and drinks until the effect of the anesthetic wears off
The mouth remains numb for a few hours after the filling, due to the anesthetic administered during the procedure. If you can, avoid eating or drinking until your mouth recovers its full sensitivity to avoid inadvertent injury.
- Since you have no sensitivity in your mouth, you are unable to assess the temperature of food and you may even risk biting the inside of your cheek, tongue or tip.
- If you can't wait, at least try to choose soft foods, like yogurt or apple juice, and simple drinks, like water. Also chew on the side of your mouth opposite the one where the surgery was done, to avoid injuring yourself or ruining the filling.
Step 4. Do not consume foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold
The filled tooth will likely be sensitive for a few days after the procedure. Therefore, try to consume food and drinks at almost room temperature (neither too hot nor too cold), so as to better manage sensitivity and pain, as well as avoiding damage to the filling.
- When food or drinks are very hot or cold they can block the bonding process of fillings, especially for composite resin fillings that need to "fuse" with the tooth. The binding action continues for at least 24 hours, so during this time it would be advisable to consume only lukewarm food / drinks.
- Cold and heat tend to expand and contract the filling material, especially if it is made of metal. This alters the adaptability, shape and strength of the filler material, which can break or come out.
- Take your time to cool down hot foods like soup or baked dishes like lasagna, as well as hot drinks like coffee and tea, before consuming them.
Step 5. Avoid hard, chewy or sticky foods
In these first days after dental surgery try to exclude from your diet all those foods that can stick to the teeth or that are particularly compact. Products like candy, granola bars, and raw vegetables can cause potential problems, including the risk of the filling coming off.
- If you chew hard foods, you can break the filling or the tooth itself. Sticky foods can stick to the surface of the filler material and stick for a long time, thus increasing the risk of possible tooth decay.
- If food remains stuck between the teeth it can weaken the filling and increase the risk of tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, you should rinse your mouth after every snack or meal and use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing your teeth and flossing.
Step 6. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the new filling
When the effect of the anesthesia wears off and you can finally eat, be sure to chew on the side that wasn't affected by the dental surgery, for a day or two. In this way you can be sure that the amalgam is fixed correctly without being damaged.
Step 7. Check for raised areas on the surface of the filling
Since the dentist "fills" the tooth, he may be adding too much material. Pay attention if you notice any higher points when chewing, trying to gently press the teeth of the two arches together. Contact your dentist if you notice any abnormalities in chewing to prevent the filling from breaking or causing post-operative pain.
If the filling is not the correct shape and has higher, irregular spots, it can prevent you from closing your mouth or chewing properly. It can also cause various problems such as pain, inability to eat on the side of the mouth affected by the surgery, rupture of the filling, earache and snapping of the temporomandibular joint
Step 8. Contact your dentist if you have any problems
If you notice any problems with your teeth, mouth or the filling itself after the procedure, you should see the doctor who performed the surgery. This way you can make sure there are no underlying problems and you can prevent further damage to the oral cavity.
- Look out for the following symptoms and see your dentist if you experience any:
- Sensitivity to a blocked tooth.
- Cracks in the filling.
- The filling has come loose or chipped.
- The tooth or filling is dark.
- The filling is unstable and there are leaks from the edges when you drink something.
Part 2 of 2: Taking Care of Your Fillings Daily
Step 1. Brush and floss every day, even after meals
This type of cleaning allows you to keep your teeth, fillings and even your gums healthy. A properly cared for and clean oral cavity can prevent further fillings and unsightly stains.
- If you can, you should brush your teeth and floss after meals. If food gets stuck in the interdental spaces, it makes the environment conducive to the development of bacteria, responsible for further tooth decay and damage to existing fillings. If you are unable to use a toothbrush, chewing gum can help.
- Keep in mind that coffee, tea, and wine can stain fillings and teeth. Whenever you drink one of these drinks, you should brush your teeth immediately afterwards to avoid staining.
- Tobacco and cigarette smoke are also responsible for fillings and teeth stains.
Step 2. Monitor the amount of sugary and acidic foods and drinks you consume
This type of food and drink can create new cavities, which in turn will require additional fillings; therefore try to limit its consumption if you want to improve the health of your oral cavity. Know that dental caries can easily form even under an existing filling. Over time, fillings can break or crack, so it is important to maintain a healthy diet and good oral hygiene to prevent this type of problem as well. Brush your teeth after consuming these foods to avoid having to undergo further dental work for new fillings.
- If you can't brush your teeth, for example because you are in school, at least try to rinse your mouth with water. Drink more water, limit the frequency of snacking and avoid sticky foods.
- Stick to a healthy, balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to maintain general well-being, including oral health.
- Some healthy foods are also acidic, such as citrus fruits. Obviously you don't have to give it up, but limit your consumption and make sure you brush your teeth after eating them. If necessary, consider diluting the juices to 50% with water.
- Sugary and acidic foods and drinks include soft drinks, sweets, candies, and wine. Sports drinks, energy drinks and coffee with added sugar also fall into this category.
Step 3. Use a fluoride gel
If you have several fillings, ask your dentist to prescribe a fluoride gel or paste. This element helps protect teeth from new cavities and promotes oral health in general.
It also helps to strengthen the enamel, increasing the duration of the fillings
Step 4. Avoid mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain alcohol
These products can limit the strength and durability of fillings or even stain them. Use neutral, alcohol-free toothpastes and mouthwashes to avoid these problems.
These products are available in almost all supermarkets and pharmacies or even online retailers
Step 5. Don't grind your teeth
If you have a bad habit of clenching and grinding your teeth at night (bruxism), you can ruin them along with your dentist's work. If you suffer from this problem, ask your dentist about the advisability of using a mouthguard (or bite).
- When you grind your teeth you risk wearing out the fillings, facilitating tooth sensitivity and you could cause damage such as small nicks and nicks.
- Remember that biting your nails, opening bottles, or holding objects with your teeth are all bad habits. You should avoid them if you don't want to damage your teeth or fillings.
Step 6. Get regular dental checkups and cleanings at your dentist's office
These are an integral part of oral hygiene and mouth care. See your dentist at least twice a year or more often if you have dental problems or fillings.
