What NOT to Do After Getting Dental Fillings: Essential Aftercare Tips

Dental fillings effectively restore the function and structure of teeth impacted by decay or injury. However, the care you take following the procedure is as critical as the filling. Aftercare ensures that the filling lasts longer and helps you avoid discomfort, damage, or additional complications. Follow these guidelines on what not to do after dental filling to ensure your smile stays healthy. It’s easy to think that your work is done once the procedure is over, but proper aftercare is crucial. If you don’t follow your dentist’s instructions, you could risk damaging the filling, experiencing unnecessary pain, or dealing with further tooth decay.

• Prevent Complications: Failure to follow aftercare guidelines may lead to sensitivity on the tooth after filling or an improperly set filling.
• Long-Term Success: By caring for your filling, you extend its lifespan and avoid expensive future repairs or replacements.

Things to Avoid After Getting Dental Fillings

1. Touching or Prodding the Filling

Do not touch or irritate the treated site with your tongue, fingers, or sharp tools. This can damage the filling or introduce bacteria, leading to infection.

2. Ignoring Sensitivity

Some sensitivity is normal, but it may indicate an issue if pain persists. If the discomfort lasts over a few days, consult a dental office near you.

3. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Grinding or clenching can damage the filling. If you have bruxism, consider speaking to your walk-in dentist in Fort Dodge, IA, about a mouthguard.

4. Eating Sticky or Chewy Foods

Sticky foods like caramel or gum can loosen the filling. Stick to softer foods for a few days after the procedure.

5. Biting Too Hard

Avoid hard foods like nuts or ice, which can damage the filling or the tooth. Give composite fillings time to set before biting into hard items.

6. Consuming Sugary or Acidic Foods

Sugary and acidic foods can weaken the filling and cause decay. Opt for nutrient-rich foods and limit sugary snacks to protect both your filling and teeth.

7. Neglecting Oral Hygiene

Keep brushing and flossing around the filling to prevent further decay. Use a soft-bristled brush and floss gently.

8. Biting Your Cheek or Tongue

After anesthesia, numbness can lead to accidental bites. Wait for full sensation to return before eating to avoid soft tissue injury.

9. Chewing with an Open Mouth

Avoid chewing on the treated side initially. Chewing on the filling side too soon can cause discomfort or pain. Chew on the opposite side until it heals.

Common Concerns After a Dental Filling

Sensitivity or Pain It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity on the tooth after filling, especially to hot or cold temperatures. This usually subsides within a few days.

• How Long It Lasts: Sensitivity should subside in a few days, but if it lasts longer or increases, it may indicate an issue with the filling.
• When to Call Your Dentist: If sensitivity persists, contact your emergency dentist near me to ensure no complications.

Sharp Edges or Uneven Bite If the filling feels sharp or you notice that your bite is uneven, it’s essential to call your dentist. This may mean that the filling was not correctly adjusted after placement.

• Uneven Bite: If the filling disrupts your bite, it could lead to further discomfort or other dental problems.
• Adjustment Needed: Your dentist may need to adjust the filling for optimal fit and comfort.

Foods to Avoid and What to Eat After Dental Fillings

Foods to Avoid

• Sticky, hard, or crunchy items
• Hot or cold items consumed soon after the procedure

Foods to Eat

• Soft, neutral-temperature foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup
• Gradually reintroduce more challenging foods as the area heals

Long-Term Care for Your Dental Fillings

• Regular visits to the dentist help monitor the condition of your fillings and prevent any potential issues. Professional cleanings also remove buildup that could affect the longevity of your fillings.
• Brushing and flossing regularly ensures your fillings last longer. Using fluoride toothpaste helps protect both the filling and surrounding teeth from decay.
• Avoid chewing ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth as tools. These habits can damage your fillings and teeth.

Contact Us

If you experience persistent pain, inflammation, or discomfort or notice visible cracks or damage to the filling, contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, don’t wait—contact your walk-in dentist, Fort Dodge, IA, for immediate care. Proper aftercare ensures the longevity of dental fillings and keeps teeth healthy. With these practices and consistent dental care, you can ensure your smile stays in great shape for the future. Book Your Checkup Today at Clay & Associates DDS, PLC to Keep Your Fillings in Top Shape!