What Are the Do's and Don'ts After Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a procedure used for treating cavities. However, most patients experience some pain and discomfort after getting the filling. Below are some helpful tips to help you know what to do and not to do after dental fillings to ensure you do not get complications. Read on to learn more.

Do Eat With Caution 

Be careful about what you eat, depending on the filling you get. For example, you can drink and eat immediately after a composite white filling because it hardens immediately.

Your dentist can suggest various food options that you can eat following your tooth-filling procedure. They can encourage foods such as scrambled eggs, soup, soft cheeses, and crackers. Ideally, wait for any swelling or pain to decrease before you eat.

Do Not Eat Chewy, Hard, and Sticky Foods

Your fillings may not be able to handle sticky or chewy foods immediately after you get them. Your dentist will advise you on the ideal time to eat certain foods based on the type of fillings you get. For example, you will have to wait 24 hours to consume tough foods if you get silver fillings. So, do your best to retain your dental appliance by starting with liquid foods.

Do Take Pain Relievers If You Experience Discomfort, Pain, or Tooth Sensitivity

You can experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort after getting a dental filling. The swelling and pain often decrease within 12 hours. However, you do not have to wait till then to ease your pain. Take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort.

Contact your dentist if the pain or sensitivity lasts for 24 hours. They will need to check the filling to ensure that you do not have an infection developing.

Do Not Avoid Flossing or Brushing Your Teeth 

Maintaining your dental hygiene is an essential part of your oral health. Ensure you gently floss and brush your teeth to keep the area clean.

Do Not Take Beverages or Food Before the Anesthetic Wears Off

Your dentist will advise you against taking any hot food or beverage when the anesthetic is still in effect. Doing so will help prevent damaging the dental filling site unknowingly. Ideally, wait until you regain your senses fully so you can take your beverages and food. Doing so will ensure you do not exert unwanted pressure on the dental filling site.

Waiting for the anesthetic to wear off will also help you avoid biting your tongue, cheeks, and lips. Your dentist will advise you on the best time to eat your first meal after the filling.

Do Check Your Bite

Checking your bite after getting fillings is vital. You need to check if there is any unevenness or discomfort. Dental fillings can be different. For example, composite dental fillings harden immediately. It is vital to ascertain if your bite can blend in with your other teeth. Talk to your dentist if you notice any imbalance so that they can remedy the change.

Do Not Grind on Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth or having sleep bruxism can affect the durability of your dental fillings. Do your best to resist the urge to do so. But if you cannot control the teeth grinding because it happens involuntarily, seek medical help. Your dentist can give you a mouth guard to prevent the grinding while you sleep.

For more about dental fillings, visit The Center of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at our office in Destin, Panama City Beach, or Navarre, Florida. You can call 850-810-0300, 850-810-0600, or 850-409-6400 to book an appointment today.