Tips For Keeping Your Dental Fillings In Good Condition

If you have a damaged tooth due to an accident or cavity, your dentist may recommend dental fillings to repair the damage and restore the tooth to its full function. This outpatient procedure can be completed in a short time at your clinic, immediately giving you a natural-looking tooth and complete smile!

Your Washington Heights cosmetic dentist will give you personalized advice on how to take care of your dental fillings so that they last and serve you well for a long time to come. Before your dental treatment, you may want to consider taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce any pain or discomfort you may experience after the local anesthesia from the procedure wears off.

Dental Fillings

When Can I Eat & Drink After My Fillings?

Most patients wonder when they will be able to start eating and drinking again after their dental filling procedure. If your dentist gave you a tooth-colored filling, you can eat and drink as soon as you leave the dental office. You can even grab something to eat on your back to work, school, or home. Feel free to go about your day as usual.

Feeling some numbness from the anesthetic is common, so it can be helpful to start with softer foods that won’t require a lot of effort to chew. It’s pretty easy to accidentally bite down on your cheek or tongue instead of food until the anesthetic completely wears off.

If your Washington Heights dental clinic put in metal amalgam fillings, it’s recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after the procedure to begin eating or drinking. These types of restorations will take up to 2 full days to completely harden, which means it’s best to avoid eating hard or sticky foods during that time for the best results.

It Is Normal to Have Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Fillings?

Some patients will feel some tooth sensitivity in their newly filled tooth for a few days after their dental filling procedure. As long as it’s not pain, there’s no need to worry; the sensitivity should improve with time. Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks that may irritate the area while it heals.

Will I Experience Pain While Chewing?

Teeth may feel some sensitivity after a filling, but if you experience pain, contact your Washington Heights dental office for a restoration adjustment. This procedure is fast and pain free.

How Should I Care For My Tooth Fillings?

Dental-Fillings

With good oral hygiene and care, dental fillings can last for several years or even longer. Consider these expert tips from your dentist to maximize the life of your tooth fillings:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Don’t be shy with brushing and flossing; your dental fillings should be brushing and flossed regularly just like a natural tooth. Brush at least twice a day and floss once. You may want to include an anti-septic mouthwash in your routine as well.
  • Eat a healthy diet: It’s ideal to limit sugary foods and drinks for your oral health as well as your overall health. When the bacteria in your mouth digest sugar, they create acids that cause tooth decay and cavities. Avoiding sugary foods and beverages will reduce the amount of acid and harmful bacteria in your mouth.
  • Avoid chewing on harmful objects: Don’t bite down on hard candies, caramels, ice, and other potentially harmful foods with your filling. They put extra stress on your filling and can even cause it to crack or fall out of your mouth. Additionally, stop bad habits such as biting your nails and chewing on pens, which can also damage your dental fillings.
  • Get regular cleanings: Schedule routine dental cleaning appointments with your Washington Heights dentist twice a year. At these appointments, your dentist can examine the filling to ensure it is free of damage.
  • Keep in touch with your dentist: If you notice any cracks, gaps, breakage, or loss of your dental filling, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away for restoration or replacement. Waiting can cause further tooth decay or increase sensitivity in the area.

Schedule Your Fillings Appointment With Washington Heights’ Top Rated Dentist

If you’re looking to protect your teeth with dental fillings, schedule your appointment with the friendly dentists at Esthetix Dental Spa. We specialize in all types of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. As one of the most trusted dentists in New York, we work closely with you to develop a customized dental plan that can help you meet your goals. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.

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Esthetix Dentist, NYC’s Dental Implant & Cosmetic Specialist
285 Fort Washington Ave,
New York, NY 10032

Phone: (212) 795-9675
Website: http://esthetixdentalspa.com/