Dental fillings are sustainable solutions in treating tooth decay or cavities since they stop the spread and sensitivity. The best part is that the process is painless and straightforward, meaning that it doesn’t take much of your time. Many patients are not aware of the best practices and those to avoid after the procedure. We have rounded up the dos and don’ts that you can abide by to care for your teeth.
Dos
1. Take Painkillers for Discomfort
If you experience pain and discomfort after getting a composite filling, you can take painkillers. The ideal ones are ibuprofen and acetaminophen since they will help you feel relieved. If the pain persists, contact the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for more assistance.
2. Check the Bite
You will need to check if the bite is comfortable to avoid any unevenness in your dentition. Fillings have different setting times; for instance, composite filling hardens immediately. Therefore, you should be keen to ascertain whether the bite blends in with the nearby teeth. If you feel an imbalance, alert your dentist so that he or she can remedy the situation.
3. Bear in Mind the Root Cause of the Cavities
After the procedure, you need to remember what caused the decay to avoid going back to the same bad habits. It will help you to stick to a healthy diet and oral care routine that make your teeth healthy and strong. This way, you will be free from the sleepless nights that tooth decay causes. Sugary and acidic foods should be off your meals since they are the significant contributors to cavities.
4. Brush and Floss Regularly
It is prudent to continue brushing and flossing after the process primarily if you used composite filling. The primary reason is that it dries up pretty first; hence, it will not get damaged when you brush. The minimum you can clean your teeth is twice a day so that they can maintain their hygiene. After meals, you have to brush your teeth so that foods don’t accumulate in your dentition, attracting bacteria.
5. Consult Your Dentist
Feel free to ask the dentist any questions that are on your mind regarding the dental procedure. Contact the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa at any time if you need any clarifications about the aftercare routine.
6. Go for Routine Check-ups
It would help if you honoured routine check-ups so that the dentist can assess the progress of the fillings. What’s more, you will get cleanups so that your teeth can be in the perfect oral health. The expert can also look for any looming cavities so that he or she can avert the situation early. Visit your doctor without fail to restore your chewing abilities.
Don’ts
1. Eat Hard or Sticky Foods
You shouldn’t eat hard or sticky foods that will damage the fillings since they can’t handle them yet. For example, with silver fillings, you should wait for 24 hours before you consume tough meals. Therefore, it is vital to try liquid foods so that the dental appliance remains intact.
2. Drink Hot Beverages
Extreme temperatures harm the material since it is still fresh and sensitive as well. Plus, during that time, your teeth could still be experiencing minimal pain that you don’t want to heighten. For that reason, you should avoid hot drinks that damage your dentition.
3. Touch Your Filling
It is not advisable to touch the filling because you can transfer the germs on your hands to your teeth. If you feel an imbalance after the procedure, you shouldn’t press the dental appliance down since it might get worse. Instead, inform the dentist so that he or she can resolve the issue.
4. Ignore Persistent Pain
You will feel a slight pain in the area where you got the injection when the numbing wears off after the process. In addition to that, you might experience sensitivity in your tooth, which is perfectly normal. However, if the inflammation continues for a week, you need to call your dentist for help.
5. Grind Your Teeth
If you have a habit of grinding teeth, you should refrain from it as it damages the material. The fillings will wear off, chip, and even crack due to the grinding. The ultimate solution is to wear a mouthguard whenever you need to sleep to protect your dentition.
Dental fillings are common for many, however, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be taking good care of your oral health. Maintain a proper dental hygiene routine, visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for regular check-ups, and don’t hesitate to ask your dentist how to better your overall oral health. To schedule an appointment, contact us today.
