Tooth decay is a common, albeit preventable phenomenon. Cavities are a proven and regular strategy to prevent the spread of tooth decay. Our dentist in Spruce Grove fills hundreds of teeth annually without complication or the need for more invasive intervention. Following these simple steps, you can ensure your oral health with your newly filled teeth.
Chew And Eat Carefully
Our dentist in Spruce Grove will numb portions of your mouth while your cavity fills. That numb sensation in your mouth will persist after the procedure and even after you go home. While any part of your mouth is still numb, do not eat. Eating while numb invites the risk of accidentally biting your tongue, cheek, or lips due to the lack of sensation.
For the first two weeks after receiving a filing, avoid eating the hardest, stickiest and chewiest foods. This caution is especially important if you have received a metal amalgam filling — sometimes called a silver filling. Metal fillings can take up to 24 hours to harden. As that’s happening, you should avoid eating any solid foods. The concern is less important if you’ve received composite fillings near you since they harden instantly after being cured in our office. Out of an abundance of caution, though, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy food for a while.
On a related subject, remember that your teeth are not tools for biting down on the hardest objects, opening packages, and the like. Biting down too hard on a hard object exerts pressure beyond what a filling can sustain.
Brush and Floss, But Gently
You should resume regular brushing and flossing as soon as you are comfortable after receiving a filling. After getting a new filing, be especially gentle around the newly-filled tooth, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush for a week or so. While flossing a newly filled tooth, pull the floss slightly away from the surface of your tooth if the cavity extends to the exposed edge to avoid catching any edge of the filling with your floss.
Even better than resuming your prior habits, use this as an opportunity to make a new commitment to brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, having your teeth cleaned annually, and visiting our dentist in Spruce Grove every six months will reduce the risk of future tooth decay and need for fillings.
Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism is a medical condition where you may clench your jaw and grind your teeth — either as you sleep (sleep bruxism) or during waking hours. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth is very harmful to dental work. Damaged dental work is a common symptom of the condition. It is especially important to avoid clenching and grinding in the days and weeks after receiving a new filling. If you tend to clench your teeth, speak to our dentist in Spruce Grove about interventions that can help prevent the pain, damage, and discomfort.
Use Over-The-Counter Pain Medication If Necessary
The process of getting fillings, including composite fillings in Spruce Grove, is painless but can cause some discomfort after the numbing of your mouth dissipates. If you find that discomfort more than you can tolerate, you may treat that discomfort using over-the-counter medications as directed.
When To Contact Our Dentist
If the normal and common discomfort after getting a new filling worsens rather than improves or if you develop the traditional symptoms of a toothache — constant, sharp or throbbing pain — contact our dentist for their advice. Those symptoms can indicate the presence of an infection that may require further intervention.
If you notice any sharp edge around your new cavity, contact our dentist as soon as possible so that it can be refined to prevent any injury to your tongue, cheek, or lips.
If you’re concerned about a potential cavity or the condition of any filling, contact our dentist in Spruce Grove at any time.