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When tooth decay strikes, a filling is often the best way to fix the issue. This treatment involves placing a hard material such as silver, ceramic, or resin composite inside a cavity to prevent further decay. While tooth fillings are safe, effective, and routine, it’s important to practice proper aftercare. To help you stay comfortable and maximize the effectiveness of your treatment, here are a few essential do’s and don’ts to follow after getting a cavity filled.

Do:

Address bite issues.

If your treated tooth feels sharp, or if your bite is off, let your dentist know as soon as possible. They may need to smooth the surface to correct the bite issue. If you don’t correct this issue, biting down may cause the filling material to crack.

Prepare for sensitivity.

tooth fillingAfter a filling, it’s typical for patients to experience temporary sensitivity for up to two weeks. Sensitivity usually occurs when you consume food and drinks that are hot or cold. If you experience sensitivity, try to avoid these items until symptoms stop appearing.  

Use over-the-counter painkillers when necessary.

Although tooth fillings are painless procedures, they can leave you feeling sore after treatment, especially around the gums. You might also experience minor, temporary toothaches for about two weeks. You can usually manage this discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication in moderation. However, if the pain becomes severe or persists longer than two weeks, talk to your dentist.

Don’t:

Chew on the numb side.

It takes about three hours for the anesthetic to wear off. As such, your cheeks, lips, and tongue will feel numb for a while after treatment. To avoid accidentally biting yourself, chew food with the untreated side of your mouth.

Eat hard, chewy, or sticky foods.

Silver amalgam fillings can take 24 hours to harden completely. Aggressive or forceful chewing can disrupt the filling during this time. As such, it’s best to avoid eating hard, sticky, and chewy foods for the first few days after treatment. Composite and ceramic fillings, however, harden in the dental chair and should be able to withstand normal chewing activities.  

Skip check-ups.

While your cavity may be treated, it’s still critical to keep up with routine dental exams every six months. During these appointments, your provider will assess all fillings to ensure they are intact and do not need to be replaced or repaired. They will also provide teeth cleanings to help you avoid cavities in the future.

 

 

Cavity care doesn’t have to complicated when you receive treatment from Jeffrey E. Bang, DMD, PC. As an experienced family dentist in Staunton, VA, Dr. Bang will not only diagnose cavities accurately but also provide precise tooth filling treatment to keep your smile safe. Regardless of which services you need, you can count on his compassionate team to deliver gentle and comfortable care. To schedule an appointment or learn more about available services, call this friendly dental office at (540) 885-8667.

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