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Dental fillings repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, chips, cracks or trauma. Although fillings are designed to be durable, they still need proper care to last and function effectively. Here are some tips for maintaining your dental fillings.
Avoid chewing on hard foods
At Dental Designs, we use tooth-coloured composite fillings instead of metal ones. Composite resin fillings harden instantly under the blue light used by dentists, so you can start eating right away! Even so, it's important to be cautious right after your filling is placed. Avoid eating or drinking until the local anesthetic has worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Additionally, steer clear of hard foods like apples or crunchy snacks like chips as they can put too much pressure on the newly filled tooth, potentially causing the filling to crack or become dislodged. Instead, food after dental filling should comprise of softer foods such as yogurt, scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes. These options are gentle on your teeth and less likely to cause discomfort or damage.
Be cautious with sticky foods
After getting a filling, it's important to be cautious with sticky foods. Sticky foods like caramel, taffy and chewing gum can adhere to the filling and potentially pull it out or damage it.
When consuming sticky foods, try to avoid direct contact with the filled tooth. Instead, chew on the opposite side of your mouth to reduce the risk of dislodging the filling. Gradually introduce food to the filled side to ensure the filling has been set properly. Foods such as soup, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are good choices.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Do not hesitate to brush or floss your teeth after getting it filled. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily is crucial to prevent decay around your fillings. Use a fluoride toothpaste and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to further protect your teeth and gums.
As mentioned above, if you received local anesthesia during the filling procedure, wait until the numbness in your mouth has completely worn off before brushing. This will help you avoid accidentally injuring your lips, cheeks or tongue.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure your fillings are in good condition and to detect any issues early. Your dentist can also provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup around your fillings.
Continue to brush twice a day and floss daily. Pay extra attention to the filled tooth, but be gentle around the filling area to avoid dislodging the filling material. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), discuss it with your dentist. A mouth guard might be recommended to protect your fillings and natural tooth structure from damage.
Understanding Post-Filling Sensations
After receiving a dental filling, it's important to understand that you may experience some sensations as your mouth adjusts to the new filling. Here are some common sensations and tips for managing them.
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Sensitivity: It's normal to experience some sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks after getting a filling. This sensitivity should subside within a few days to a week. In the meantime, you can use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help reduce discomfort.
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Slight discomfort: You may experience mild discomfort in the filled tooth or surrounding area. This is usually temporary and should improve as the tooth adjusts to the filling.
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Change in bite: You may notice a slight change in your bite after getting a filling. This is usually due to the filling adjusting to your tooth's shape and should resolve independently. If the change persists or is causing discomfort, please be sure to contact your dentist.
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Pressure sensitivity: Some people may experience a sensation of pressure when biting down on the filled tooth. This is normal and should improve over time as the tooth adjusts to the filling. If the tooth feels too "high" when you bite down on it, you may need to visit your dentist to get it adjusted and polished.
Specific Precautions for Different Filling Materials
Here are some precautions after dental filling that you can take, depending on the type of filling material used.
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Amalgam Fillings: These fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including silver. Avoid chewing hard foods and ice to prevent cracking. Over time, amalgam fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, so be mindful of extremely hot or cold foods.
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Composite Resin Fillings: These tooth-coloured fillings bond directly to the tooth structure but can stain over time. Avoid excessive consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea and red wine.
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Glass Ionomer Fillings: These are often used in areas not subject to heavy chewing pressure. Be gentle with these fillings, as they are not as durable as other materials.
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Gold and Porcelain Fillings: These are durable and can last many years with proper care. Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure they remain in good condition.
Summary
The rule of thumb is to avoid taking hard, sticky and cold foods all the time. If you’re not sure, just play it safe, or ask the dentist the next time you visit them. Always follow the advice of your dentist – they are the professionals and will always be there to help you.
Looking to book a dental appointment with us? Simply drop us a message here!
References
- Lu, Q., & Wang, L. (2020). The reduction of vertical food impact using adjacent surface retaining zirconium crowns preparation technique: a 1-year follow-up prospective clinical study. Annals of Translational Medicine, 8(16), 1019–1019. https://doi.org/10.21037/ATM-20-5582
- Nagarsekar, A., Gaunkar, R., & Aras, M. (2016). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental professionals regarding the effect and management of food impaction associated with fixed partial denture prostheses: A survey. Journal of Indian Prosthodontist Society, 16(4), 372–379. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-4052.191286