How To Care For Dental Fillings

21 September 2020

Your oral health is at the forefront of everything we do here at Etwall Dental Practice. That’s why we’re keen to provide as much information as possible  on the treatments and procedures we offer. During this read, you’ll find out our best tips for caring for your new dental fillings, as their care may not be as simple as they initially seem.

Stay Mindful

As per any dental fillings procedure, you’ll be given a numbing anaesthetic, prior to the filling being inserted. Many patients find that it takes a few hours to regain feeling in that specific area of their mouth, so it’s important to remain mindful of your mouth actions. Ensure you remain carefully aware of any grinding/clenching, tongue probing or biting your nails. Avoid upsetting the treated area or biting the inside of your mouth, especially by accident!

The time it takes for fillings to set is very much dependent on what material was used. For anyone unaware, dental fillings can be amalgam (metal) or composite (white). Patients usually find that amalgam fillings take around 24 hours to set, whereas white composite fillings are set whilst you’re still in the practice. Nevertheless, we still recommend taking the same care of your filling, regardless of the material. It’s important that patients are also aware that, once your fillings have fully healed, each material will feel slightly different. Composite fillings will feel much firmer than amalgam fillings, which are far softer to the bite.

Watch What You Eat

Common advice for maintaining a good level of dental care, watching what you eat is especially important after any procedure. If you’ve recently had fillings, we’d recommend eating on the other side of your mouth, at least for the first 24 hours. As time passes, slowly introduce softer foods onto the side of your mouth that has the filling, whilst trying not to bite down directly onto the filled surface – as it’ll likely still be tender.

Opt for liquid-based foods such as soup and softer foods such as eggs and noodle dishes. It’s certainly not wise to take on a tough baguette or steak immediately after treatment! In terms of drinks, you should be drinking water during the initial post-treatment period.

Avoid Very Hot & Cold Foods

With any fillings treatment, there is a chance your teeth and gums will be highly sensitive and reactive to the change. With that said, give the affected area the best possible chance to heal by avoiding extremely hot or cold foods. If the area is particularly sensitive, you may be susceptible to sharp pains.

Be Careful When Brushing

In an ideal world, people should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush. These toothbrushes offer a more gentle alternative, whilst still being capable of removing plaque and bacteria. With the affected area after a filling being tender, it’s important to take a little more care when brushing. This goes for flossing, too. It’s perfectly okay to floss after a filling but be sure to not irritate the affected area, especially within the first 24 hours.

Think Long-Term

Maintaining a good level of dental care following your filling treatment is particularly  important. Lifestyle choices such as smoking can not only cause extreme health issues but it will also discolour your teeth and white fillings over time. The same applies to the likes of red wine, tea and coffee, if consumed in vast quantities. Maximize the life of your dental fillings by making relevant lifestyle choices to ensure their longevity.

Contact Us For Help

Some patients may find that their fillings come loose. In such situations, Etwall Dental Practice should be contacted immediately. Filling residue is completely normal in the hours after the treatment but if any larger parts of your filling come loose, contact our dentists. Your tooth may need refilling, so it’s in your best interest to not wait around!

Dental fillings are an extremely common procedure, so if you feel as though you require them, please don’t hesitate to contact Etwall Dental Practice. To do so, visit our Contact page, call us on 01283 733391 or visit us at the practice. Our team will be more than happy to help.

For any other procedures, please visit our Treatments page.