Tips for Maintaining Dental Fillings

Tips for Maintaining Dental Fillings
7 min read

Dental fillings are recommended by experts to help you recover the shape, functionality, and appearance of decayed or damaged teeth. You must take special care of your teeth after getting a filling to ensure that it continues to function effectively. Dental professionals point out that good oral hygiene can reduce your risk of developing new cavities and shield your tooth fillings from damage. 

Cavities can be treated with dental fillings, a comfortable and standard dental treatment. To fix or restore the teeth, they use individual metals, plastic, glass, or combinations of these materials. They can be used to repair teeth worn down by poor habits like nail biting or opening bottle caps with the teeth, as well as teeth that have been cracked or broken.

Types of Materials

There are different kinds of dental fillings. The amount of decay present in the tooth and other considerations, such as a person's allergy to a material, will determine the type of filling that should be used. The various fillings that are available include:

Gold

Gold fillings are made of a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals. They are also known as inlays or onlays. Although this kind of dental filling is typically thought to be the most long-lasting, enduring 20 years or more, it is also the most expensive.

Porcelain

If you have significant aesthetic concerns, this kind of filling is the best option. Since they encompass the majority of the teeth, they can be used to treat severe decay. This durable filling is not readily stained or worn away.

Silver amalgam

Dental professionals use these the most and have done significant studies on them. They have a high degree of strength because they are constructed by combining several metals. 

Composite resin fillings 

These fillings can be made to fit the shade of your natural teeth. If you don't want your application to be seen, it might be an option to consider. It is mainly considered for  front teeth as it adheres well to dental structures. They are also used for fractured teeth, but they are less durable than metal and amalgam fillings and can eventually wear off.

The Process

Since it can only be used for minor fractures and decay, the very foremost step of this process is to assess how severe the infected tooth is. 

The tooth will be examined by our dentist in Edmonton, who can obtain impressions of your mouth if more detailed information is needed. 

To numb the area around the infected tooth, local anesthesia will be administered depending on the severity of the decay. 

The damaged or decayed tooth will then be cleaned and prepared for restoration. If the tooth has been injured, the damaged area can be removed using a dental handpiece or a laser device. 

The cavity is then filled in with a filling, which is applied to the area based on your preferences, oral health, and your overall wellness. 

Polishing the teeth that have been restored is the final step. 

When to Consider Dental Fillings

There are a number of symptoms and indications that point to the need for dental fillings near you.

  • A hole in your molars
  • Dark spots on the tooth 
  • Food particles stuck between certain areas of the teeth 
  • Chipped or broken tooth 
  • Hypersensitivity 
  • Multiple dental cavities 

There is a possibility that you require a filling if you experience any of the signs listed above. Your dentist near you will make the final decision following a thorough oral examination.

Maintaining Dental Fillings

Here is some advice from our dentist on what you should and shouldn't do following the dental filling procedure and how to determine whether you need to make an appointment with your dentist again for the discomfort you are feeling.

  • Wait until the anesthetic wears off

As previously stated, a local anesthetic will be given to you by your dentist to numb the area. After your treatment, the medication may not start to wear off for several hours. If you attempt to consume before you can feel again, it may take away your ability to feel things in your mouth, which could result in injuries. 

  • Avoid putting pressure

Avoid chewing directly on your newly repaired teeth because doing so could place undue pressure and stress on your dental fillings, as they've not yet hardened. 

  • Practice good oral hygiene

No extra maintenance is required for fillings. All that is necessary to maximize the effects of the treatment are brushing and flossing. You might be advised by your doctor to brush your teeth twice daily. It is especially essential to brush before bed because bacteria cause more damage while a person is sleeping. This is brought on by the reduced salivation that takes place while your deep sleep. Saliva cleans teeth surfaces naturally by removing bacteria and the acids they create. Brushing just before bed considerably lessens the damage that occurs at night. 

Use a fluoride-containing mouthwash if you've previously suffered from cavities. The mineralization of tooth enamel by fluoride serves to prevent tooth decay.

  • Avoid activities that include sucking

Your dental fillings may suffer if you have a tendency of sucking on your teeth. It may eventually cause the fillings to weaken or even fall out. If you wait for a long time, the hole might get bigger and require more filling.

Here is a checklist you should follow after getting your dental fillings in Edmonton.

  • Avoid biting down on hard objects 
  • Refrain from sticky foods 
  • Brush your teeth daily
  • Floss once a day 
  • Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups 
  • Use fluoride toothpaste

Each person wants to have a gorgeous smile and excellent oral health. You can enhance, protect, and keep your overall oral health and the condition of your dental fillings by incorporating the above-mentioned tips into your daily routine. 

Your dental restorations and overall oral hygiene should be properly taken care of. Regular dental exams should be scheduled because regular dental exams are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. 

Visit Belle Rive Dental Clinic if you are looking for quality dental care services. We encourage you to take a step toward your dental care. 

Contact us and book your appointment today! 

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