If you have a cavity, getting a dental filling from your dentist is essential. Our dentists at Perth-Andover have some tips on what you should and shouldn't do after getting a filling.
Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.
Having a dental filling is an important procedure if you have a cavity. After getting a filling, it's essential to follow some guidelines provided by our dentists at Perth-Andover. The type of filling you receive determines what you should and shouldn't eat immediately after the procedure. Composite white fillings harden instantly under a blue light used by your dentist, allowing you to eat and drink right away.
For a smooth recovery, consider consuming foods that are easy to eat after a tooth filling. Some good options include soup, scrambled eggs, and crackers. Look for foods that require minimal chewing.
However, if you experience pain and swelling, it's best to wait until the discomfort subsides before eating.
Metal dental fillings take longer to harden, so it's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after the procedure before consuming solid foods.
To avoid accidentally biting your lips, cheek, or tongue, it's advisable to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before attempting to eat. Consult your dentist to determine the ideal time to eat after your filling.
Don't eat sticky, hard or chewy foods for up to two weeks.
After getting a dental filling, it's best to avoid hot or cold drinks and foods for a few days. It's also important to steer clear of sticky, hard, or chewy foods for up to two weeks. This includes foods that require hard bites and extensive chewing, like meat. Additionally, it's advisable to stay away from highly acidic foods to reduce the risk of infection.
Do take over-the-counter painkillers if you notice pain, discomfort or tooth sensitivity after a filling.
After getting a filling, you might experience mild to moderate discomfort and pain. Typically, within 12 hours, the pain and swelling should decrease, allowing you to eat without tooth sensitivity or irritation in that area.
To relieve any physical pain or discomfort following a dental filling, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If you still have pain, sensitivity, or discomfort after 24 hours, it's important to contact your dentist and schedule an appointment to have your filling checked. This will ensure that there is no developing infection.
Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.
Did you know that you don’t have to wait to brush your teeth or floss after a dental filling? Just remember to brush with a gentle touch and floss with extra care around the treated tooth. This simple routine ensures that you can maintain your usual oral hygiene and keep the area clean.
Do contact your dentist if you experience a persistent toothache
Experiencing mild pain or discomfort is normal, but if you have a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache, it could mean that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. In such cases, a root canal may be necessary. It's important to get in touch with your dentist right away so they can promptly address the issue for you.