Dental fillings are a standard procedure used to repair cavities and restore the health and function of damaged teeth.

While the procedure is relatively straightforward, proper aftercare is essential to ensure the longevity and success of the filling. 

Following the proper dos and don’ts after a dental filling can help prevent complications, promote healing, and maintain oral health. 

This article will discuss the important dos and don’ts to follow after a dental filling, providing you with the knowledge to care for your teeth and ensure a healthy smile for years to come.

Things to keep in mind after getting a dental filling

• Watch what you eat: Your dentist might suggest food restrictions after getting a dental filling. Composite fillings tend to harden within a few seconds under the blue light at the dental office, so there are usually no food restrictions after getting it done. Amalgam fillings, however, take some time to harden. You are advised to eat soft foods for at least 24 hours after getting an amalgam restoration. Most front tooth fillings are made of composite, which is why there are usually no dietary restrictions. Consult your dentist for personalized advice on what foods to eat and avoid.
• Avoid hard and chewy foods for a few days: To be extra safe, try to avoid hard and chewy foods for at least a few days after a dental filling. Avoid foods that need vigorous chewing, such as meat. Also, avoid chewy and sugary candies and starchy foods that can stick to your teeth.
• Brush and floss carefully: You don’t need to delay brushing and flossing your teeth unless advised otherwise by your dentist. Brush the area gently and floss carefully to keep the area around the treated tooth clean.
• Take over-the-counter medications for sensitivity and discomfort: Experiencing mild to moderate discomfort after tooth filling is normal. If you experience physical pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medications for relief. If the pain hasn’t subsided after 24 hours, get yourself checked by your dentist to rule out a possible infection.
  

Pain and tooth sensitivity after getting a front tooth cavity filling

Now you know that there’s a possibility of having pain after you get a filling. 

Here are a few reasons why this might be the case: 

• A little pain and discomfort are common. If you drink something hot or cold immediately after getting a filling, you will experience pain. However, this should subside as soon as the stimulus is removed.
• You might have a poorly fitted filling that hasn’t adapted well to your original tooth. You can get this rectified by revisiting your dentist.
• An irritated nerve: Normally, your enamel and dentin protect the underlying nerves of your teeth. However, when you get a deep feeling, your nerves might get irritated as the structure of the decayed tooth is drilled off. They tend to heal over a few days to few weeks.
• Incorrect bite alignment: An important aspect of getting a filling is ensuring it aligns with the patient’s normal bite. If the filling is too tall and improperly fitted, it can cause pain and discomfort while chewing. If you have bite problems after getting a front tooth cavity filling, consider revisiting your dentist to file it down.
• Pulpitis: This is a rare problem that can occur after getting a filling. Pulpitis is a condition where the underlying pulp of your tooth gets infected.  

Home remedies to manage discomfort after a dental filling

Getting a front teeth cavity treatment is usually a painless process.

However, since pain and discomfort are common, here are a few methods to manage them:

• Use a soft-bristled brush and sensitive teeth toothpaste to clean the area around the filling. 
• Avoid eating or chewing with the side of the filling. Instead, use the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid hot, cold, and sugary foods and drinks, as advised above. Also, avoid hard foods that require a lot of chewing.
• Take over-the-counter medications or those prescribed by your dentist.

When to go to the dentist?

Usually, the discomfort should subside within a few days.

However, if you experience a sharp shooting pain in the teeth you fill, there is a possibility that the infection has reached the pulp.

In that case, you need to replace the filling and get a root canal treatment done.

Darcy Dental could be your choice if you are looking for dentists in Okotoks for emergency dental care.

We have a team of skilled dental professionals who are trained to do all kinds of dental procedures, including front tooth cavity treatment, root canal treatment, teeth whitening, etc. 

Do reach out to us for a personalized dental treatment plan.