Dental Fillings Aftercare — Brookfield, WI

Aftercare: Dental Fillings

Fillings keep cavities from turning into something worse, like further decay of the tooth. Cavities should never be ignored because they can eventually lead to infection or the loss of the tooth. During a dental filling appointment, your dentist starts by removing decay present from the tooth surfaces and replacing it with a composite material that is hardened by a UV light. It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity immediately after getting fillings, but that goes away after a few days.

Here are a few ways you can take care of your new fillings:

• Wait until the anesthetic wears off

To complete this procedure, your dentist may inject local anesthetic if needed. The medication might not wear off until hours afterward. It takes away the patient's ability to feel things in their mouth, and this can lead to injuries if you try eating before the feeling comes back.

• Avoid putting pressure on the tooth for a day

If possible, patients should refrain from chewing directly with the newly- repaired tooth. It might put unnecessary stress on a filling that is not fully hardened yet.

• Practice good oral hygiene

Fillings do not require any special care. Brushing and flossing are all it takes to get the most out of this treatment. Patients are advised to brush at least two times a day. Brushing before going to bed is particularly important since bacteria do more damage while a person sleeps. This is due to the decreased saliva production that occurs during sleep. Saliva serves as a natural cleaner that removes bacteria and the acids they produce from teeth surfaces. Brushing before going to bed significantly reduces the damage done at night. People who have a history of dealing with cavities should consider using a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to mineralize tooth enamel, which protects against decay.

• Do not suck on your teeth

Some people habitually suck on their teeth, and this is not good for dental fillings. Over time, it can lead to the fillings becoming loosened or even coming out. The patient will need to get another filling or risk the cavity becoming larger.