A dental filling is a common dental procedure to get done to treat a cavity. However, many patients experience pain and discomfort afterward. If you are experiencing the same, it is probably because you are not following the right tips. There are certain things you should and should not do after you get a dental filling.
If you experience extreme pain and discomfort, you should probably visit your Fresno cosmetic dentist again. While most patients experience pain, it should not be extreme and should subside with home remedies and over-the-counter medication. If not, you might be suffering from other complications. Following a few helpful tips can help.
DOs and DONTs after getting a dental filling
- Do not eat sticky or chewy food items for at least one week.
You should stay away from sticky or chewy foods and sugary drinks for a few days after getting a dental filling. You should refrain from drinking beverages at extreme temperatures for a few days as well. Your teeth are still sensitive from the procedure, so you do not want to put too much pressure on them to bite hard food items. Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks like soft drinks to avoid the chances of an infection.
- Do take over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain.
It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain after getting a dental filling. The pain and swelling should naturally reduce and subside after 12-24 hours. However, if you do not want to deal with the pain, you can take over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain. If the pain and sensitivity last for more than 24 hours, contact your dentist.
- Do not hesitate to brush or floss your teeth.
You might question whether you should brush or floss your teeth the same day you get your dental fillings done. Dental fillings do not require you to skip your oral hygiene practices; you can continue them without any worries. However, it is important to brush and floss gently around the teeth and gum area where the procedure was done to ensure no infection growth.
- Do check your bite.
Checking your bite after dental fillings is crucial. You want to make sure there is no unevenness or discomfort. If there is, you do not want to wait to visit your dentist and fix the problem. Imbalance in your bite can strain the jaw and create other oral issues.