When you have dental fillings, your first goal is to allow them to dry. This will depend on the type of filling as well as how the dentist dries it. Once you are ready to leave the dental office, it's all in your hands. It's your job to handle it, but how? These steps will walk you through the process of recovering after you have a filling.
1. You can take over the counter medication.
Pain medication can help you handle some of the side effects associated with dental fillings, especially for that time after the anesthetic wears off. Your teeth may be sensitive and sore, and you may also experience some minor swelling. Taking a mild pain reliever can ease this discomfort.
2. Avoid eating or drinking until the anesthetic has worn off.
You should be able to feel everything in your mouth before you eat or drink. Numbness could lead you to bite your lip or tongue, causing pain and injury. You could also easily burn yourself.
3. Know that your teeth will be very sensitive.
Understand that hot and cold beverages will feel much more so when you drink them right after a filling. Additionally, you must be careful that the temperature is not so intense that it disrupts the bonding of the filling.
4. Chewy and sticky foods can rip out fillings.
It is best to avoid these foods because they can rip out a filling that has not yet had enough time to dry. It is also a good idea to put off very crunchy and hard foods that could become lodged in the filling.
5. Ensure that there is not too much material sticking out of the filling.
Do you feel anything sticking out of the filling? Bite down to help you determine if it feels natural. If not, you should call your dentist as soon as you notice this.
6. Keep brushing and flossing as usual.
It is important not to disrupt your routine of caring for your teeth. Otherwise, you may find yourself with more cavities than you started with.
7. Always rinse with water when you are unable to brush.
Rinsing just with water is a great way to fend off bad breath and keep your teeth as clean as possible even when you don't have a toothbrush or paste.
8. Don't hesitate to get in touch with your dentist.
Finally, just remember that your dentist is there to help you. If you have a problem with your filling, it is essential that you call for an appointment. The sooner you handle the issue, the less likely it is to become a major problem.
Share27 January 2017
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.