After you’ve had a dental filling, the affected tooth may be sensitive for a little while. Although you may find that chewing can be challenging at first, the discomfort will wear off shortly. To help prevent discomfort and protect your new filling, the oral surgeons from Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage, AK, recommend following a few tips during your next meal or snack.

Here are five ways you can minimize pain while chewing after you’ve received a filling:

• Avoid Sweets: Because your teeth may be more sensitive than normal, it’s best to avoid any sugary foods or beverages that may trigger sensitivity.
• Skip Hard Foods: Save hard-to-chew foods like ice, hard candy, pizza crust, croutons, and nuts for another day. These foods could put unnecessary pressure on your teeth, causing more pain.
• Avoid Sticky Foods: Treats like chewing gum and soft, sticky candy can dislodge your new filling. You may have to wait a day or two before indulging in these sweet snacks.
• Chew Slowly: Each time you bite down, it puts pressure on your teeth. While you won’t feel any discomfort under normal circumstances, a tooth that has recently been filled could experience pain as a result of the pressure. If possible, chew on the opposite side. Go slowly and bite very lightly to avoid using too much force.
• Wait for Professional Approval: Be sure to ask your oral surgeon or hygienist how long it should take for any numbing agents to wear off. If possible, wait to eat until the numbness has subsided to prevent accidentally biting your lip, cheek, or tongue, or biting down too hard without realizing it.

The oral surgeons at Oral Surgery of Alaska are committed to making your procedure and recovery as pain-free as possible. To set up an appointment for sedation dentistry or cosmetic dental care with their team of gentle professionals, call (907) 561-1430 or visit their website for more information.