Minor cavities can be effectively managed through dental fillings. Dental fillings involve a straightforward process yet deliver sufficient relief from cavity symptoms. The dental fillings Monroe specialists offer the treatment in less than an hour, and comfort is assured as local anesthesia is used. However, you might experience some sensitivity later, but it will be gone in a few days. Like many dental procedures, proper care is needed after a dental filling, and it is crucial to get everything right to avoid complications. Here is how to live with dental fillings.
Wait Several Hours Before Eating
Your dentist can ask you to wait for several hours before eating anything to avoid oral injuries. Remember that your provider uses local anesthesia during the treatment, which might take several hours to wear off. You will not feel anything in your mouth until the anesthetic wears off, and eating anything increases your chances of biting your cheeks or tongue without knowing it. Wait until you regain your ability to feel.
Take Painkillers
The dental filling procedure might cause some completely normal discomfort. However, do not hesitate to ask your dentist about anti-inflammatory medications if you cannot withstand the discomfort. In most cases, the discomfort will fade away after one or two days. In the meantime, you can take painkillers to get through those days. The medications can also minimize swelling and soreness.
Limit Pressure on the Repaired Tooth
Your dental filling might take a day to harden beyond easily breaking completely. Before then, you must avoid putting pressure on the tooth. Do not chew directly from the repaired tooth. Also, you must avoid eating sticky and hard objects that can break the filling or cause discomfort. Remember that the teeth might feel sore or sensitive immediately after filling. Foods like jerky, candy, tough meat, caramels, and hard nuts on your newly repaired tooth only cause damage. Chew soft foods like eggs, smoothies, and yogurt, at least for the day after your treatment.
Maintain Proper Good Oral Hygiene
Cavities can reoccur even after filling. One of the main reasons for cavities is poor oral care practices, and a lack of improvements can cause the problem again. Fortunately, filings require no new or special care. You only have to maintain or improve your daily oral care routine. Brushing and flossing must be done daily as necessary. Additionally, brushing before bed is critical to minimize bacterial activities while you sleep. Remember that there will be less saliva during sleep, which is a natural cleaner. Also, you might want to consider using a fluoride mouthwash moving forward.
No Teeth Sucking
Sucking teeth is common, but it is bad news for fillings. Straight teeth sucking can lose your fillings over time, increasing the chances of them coming off. Your initial cavity can become large beneath the loose fillings, and you might no longer benefit from fillings. You might require more advanced treatments like a root canal to manage your situation. You must repeat the process even if you can still gain from fillings.
Dental fillings can help manage cavities before they are something worse. Get in touch with Apple Dental specialists if you are currently in need of treatment. Schedule a consultation appointment, and do not hesitate to ask relevant questions, including life with fillings.
