A dental filling is a routine procedure that alleviates pain related to cavities and prevents the further progress of tooth decay. While keeping up with routine appointments with your dentist in Atlanta and practicing proper oral hygiene can prevent cavities, many patients still find themselves in need of fillings.
Here’s what you need to know after your next dental filling.
Will There Be Any Tooth Pain After My Filling?
Some patients are concerned about potential pain after their filling. However, a dental filling actually helps relieve pain caused by cavities. A local anesthetic ensures that you stay comfortable during the procedure, and there are rarely any symptoms afterward.
You shouldn’t have any pain, swelling, or soreness after your filling. If you do experience pain, whether lasting pain or only when biting or chewing, you should reach out to your dentist right away. It could indicate that other issues are at hand.
Will My Teeth Be Sensitive Afterward?
Tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort or pain when your teeth come in contact with hot or cold food or drink. While some procedures can cause additional sensitivity, your dental filling shouldn’t. In fact, one of the primary benefits of a dental filling is that it alleviates sensitivity caused by cavities.
You might still experience some sensitivity after your filling, although you should see an improvement compared to before. Any sensitivity should fade within two weeks or so. If you continue to experience sensitivity after this time, or if you have increased sensitivity, you should reach out to your dentist in Atlanta.
How Can I Prevent Future Cavities?
After a filling, your top priority should be preventing future cavities. If you have experienced cavities, there is a significant chance that other teeth are at risk as well. You should take action to keep from needing additional fillings in the future.
You may need to adjust your oral hygiene routine at home. To keep your teeth healthy, brush twice daily for two minutes. Flossing is also important. Ask your dentist for more information if you’re unsure about your oral hygiene.
Keeping up with routine appointments is also vital to prevent future cavities. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that contribute to tooth decay. Your dentist can also provide guidance on oral hygiene, the right toothbrush and toothpaste, and a good diet to help you maintain excellent oral health.
What Do I Do if a Filling Falls Out?
Your dental filling should provide lasting protection for the affected tooth for years to come. However, sometimes a filling can fall out due to physical accidents, ongoing tooth decay, and other issues. Acting quickly can help protect your teeth in this scenario.
If a filling falls out, you should call your dentist in Atlanta right away. It’s critical to restore protection to your tooth as soon as possible. Your dentist will ask if you have symptoms such as pain that could indicate the need for urgent care. Hold onto the filling so your dentist can evaluate it to identify potential causes of the issue.
In the meantime, rinse your mouth with salt water to clean the area and alleviate any pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. You can rinse for a few seconds to remove bacteria, bits of food, and other contaminants.
What Can I Eat After My Dental Filling?
A dental filling has relatively few restrictions compared to other dental procedures. Remember that you shouldn’t eat anything for at least an hour or so after your appointment to allow the local anesthetic to wear off.
Most types of dental fillings take about a day to harden fully. Particularly hard or chewy foods during that time may deform the filling. However, you can simply avoid chewing in the area around that specific tooth to prevent any potential issues.
Do I Really Need a Filling from My Dentist in Atlanta?
A filling is just about the fastest and least invasive restorative dentistry procedure. However, you may still be concerned about the procedure and taking care of your smile afterward.
If your Atlanta dentist says you need a filling, you shouldn’t avoid the treatment. Leaving the tooth alone can lead to the need for root canal treatment or extraction.
You can take steps to avoid serious oral health issues by trusting Dr. Brett Langston for your dental care. The team at Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists provides preventive care, basic procedures such as fillings, and a full range of treatment options for more advanced issues. Book your appointment today to protect your smile.