Expert tips for taking care of your tooth fillings. When tooth decay gets out of hand, tooth fillings\u00a0are a great way to restore your smile and protect your teeth from further breakdown.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the wonders of modern dentistry, tooth colored fillings front teeth<\/a> – or composite resin – fillings are incredibly dependable and can last for years.<\/p>\n And dentists have trusted metal amalgam fillings to handle cavities for over a century.<\/p>\n But no matter which type of tooth filling you have, its lifespan weighs heavily on your dental care habits at home.<\/p>\n With that said, how can you care for your fillings to help them last as long as possible?<\/p>\n At Dental Express San Deigo<\/a>, we want our blog to be just like having an in-person consultation with your San Diego dentist. We want to address all your questions and concerns and leave you feeling confident in your dental care routine.<\/p>\n So, below you\u2019ll find everything you need to know about how to care for a tooth filling, including a few tips you won\u2019t find on your average dental blog.<\/p>\n Without further ado, let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s kick things off with an insider tip that can help you on your road to recovery.<\/p>\n Before your treatment, taking an anti-inflammatory like Motrin or Advil can help with any pain or discomfort that may come up when the local anesthesia wears off. These medications can have a pain-relieving effect and help your body react better to the treatment.<\/p>\n Of course, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory medication to avoid any adverse effects.<\/p>\n After a filling, people usually want to know how soon they can start eating and drinking again.<\/p>\n If you had a tooth-colored filling put in at your San Diego dentist, then you\u2019re good to go as soon as you leave the office. You can go about your day as usual and even grab something to eat on the way home if you like.<\/p>\n But you may still experience some numbness from the anesthetic, so be careful not to mistake your cheek for that french fry you\u2019re chewing on.<\/p>\n For metal amalgam fillings, we recommend waiting for one to two hours before returning to your regular diet. These restorations can take up to 24-48 hours to harden fully, so be careful eating hard or sticky foods too soon. It can disrupt the setting process.<\/p>\n Absolutely.<\/p>\n For one to two days after your treatment, tooth sensitivity\u00a0in the affected tooth is totally normal.<\/p>\n Some patients have sensitive teeth for a week or two afterward, but don\u2019t worry. As long as you\u2019re not in pain, there\u2019s no need to be concerned.<\/p>\n To ease your symptoms, you can use a desensitizing toothpaste; just make sure it contains fluoride. And here\u2019s another little-known tip:<\/p>\n When you\u2019re finished brushing, spit, but don\u2019t rinse<\/strong>. This trick allows the fluoride to stay on your teeth longer, more effectively reducing your sensitivity and strengthening your enamel.<\/p>\n Pretty cool, huh?<\/p>\n If it\u2019s painful to chew after a filling, you may need to visit your dentist in San Diego\u00a0to get your restoration adjusted.<\/p>\n Now, we know what you\u2019re thinking: \u201cIs that going to hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n But don\u2019t worry. Filling adjustments are an easy, pain-free fix.<\/p>\n If you notice any pain, give your dental care professional a call right away to set up a readjustment.<\/p>\n With proper care, fillings have been known to last for up to ten years.<\/p>\n Now, we\u2019re not promising that yours will last a decade. But if you want your tooth filling to stick around for the long haul, you\u2019ll need to stay on top of your at-home dental care routine.<\/p>\n Here are some tips for managing your restoration like a dental pro:<\/p>\n After a filling treatment, your restoration\u2019s health is almost entirely in your hands. Now that we\u2019ve taught you how to care for a filling, it\u2019s up to you to apply these tips to maintain your oral health.<\/p>\n According to the American Dental Association,<\/p>\n \u201cThe best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine.<\/strong><\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n And we couldn\u2019t agree more. Be diligent with your dental care at home to avoid any more cavities and protect your oral health.<\/p>\n At Dental Express San Deigo, no matter what treatment you need, we\u2019re here to provide top-notch dental care, full transparency, and education on how best to maintain your dental health.<\/p>\n We do our best to preserve your natural teeth, but when you need a cavity filled, we work with you to create a plan that suits your individual needs and budget.<\/p>\n From treatment planning to recovery, we make your process as smooth and affordable as possible and make a point to set you up for success outside the office.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for family-friendly dental care in the San Diego area<\/strong><\/u><\/a>, give us a call to learn more or schedule an appointment at any of our six locations. We\u2019re always here for your smile!<\/p>\n Three Things You Need to Know About Fillings<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n Learn What Foods and Drinks Can Damage Your Teeth<\/strong><\/u><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n Are Cavities the Cause of My Bad Breath?<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\nBefore Your Expert tips for taking care of your tooth fillings<\/h2>\n
How Soon Can I Eat & Drink After a Filling?<\/h2>\n
Expert Tips for Taking Care of Your Tooth Fillings Is Sensitivity After a Filling Normal?<\/h2>\n
What to Do When it Hurts to Chew<\/h2>\n
How to Care for a Tooth Filling<\/h2>\n
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Family-Friendly, Affordable Dental Care in San Diego<\/h2>\n
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