A dental filling is commonly used to fix a cavity, but you may wonder what to do afterward. Here, our Kitchener dentists explain some do's and don'ts for dental fillings.
Do: Be Careful About Eating After A Dental Filling.
After getting a tooth filling, it's important to be careful about what you eat depending on the type of filling you received.
If you got a white filling that hardens instantly under blue light, you can eat and drink right away. Opt for soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, and crackers that don't require much chewing.
But if you experience pain or swelling, wait until it goes down before eating. For metal fillings, dentists usually recommend waiting at least 24 hours before eating solid foods.
And to avoid accidentally biting your cheeks, lips, or tongue, wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating. Your dentist can provide guidance on the best 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 stay away from sticky, hard, or chewy foods for up to two weeks.
Foods like meat that require a lot of chewing should be avoided. In addition, it's recommended to avoid highly acidic foods to prevent infection.
Do: Take Over-the-counter Painkillers
After getting a filling, you may feel some discomfort and pain, but it should go away within 12 hours. You can eat normally without worrying about tooth sensitivity or irritation. If the pain persists for more than 24 hours, you should contact your dentist to make sure there is no infection. You can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease any discomfort.
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? As long as you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth, you should be able to keep the area clean as usual.
Do: Contact Your Dentist If You Experience A Persistent Toothache
Though you may indeed feel some mild pain or discomfort, a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache can indicate that the decay has reached your tooth's pulp. You may need a root canal. Contact your dentist, who can address it for you promptly.