A dental filling procedure may seem like a common occurrence, but you could experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort after the procedure if you’re not careful. Some pain and discomfort might be normal, but you can make the situation more manageable if you know how to deal with it. Here are some things you should keep in mind after going through this procedure.
Dealing with the Pain
If you experience pain after your dental filling procedure, it could be because the dental filling is not installed properly. It might not follow the natural shape of your teeth, which can trigger some discomfort when you move your jaw, speak, and chew.
You might also experience pain in the teeth beside the new filling. In this case, you won’t need to worry because it is completely normal. It doesn’t indicate a problem with your teeth. This happens because the tooth with the new filling would be “passing” pain signals to the neighbouring teeth. The feeling will subside in one to two weeks.
Dealing with Teeth Sensitivity
After a dental filling procedure, it’s common to experience teeth sensitivity to air and cold and hot foods or drinks for up to three weeks. Some patients may also experience increased sensitivity when biting on the new dental filling.
Avoid this by using a specialized toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Additionally, avoid very hot or cold foods for the first few weeks after your dental treatment.
Dealing with Discomfort
You might feel some discomfort when you finally get to move your jaw once the anesthetic has worn off, which is also normal. However, if you feel discomfort days after the treatment or you notice that the filling “feels off” and some edges need to be smoothed out, make an appointment with your dentist right away.
Eating After Dental Filling
You’re probably curious about the foods you can eat after your dental treatment. It depends on the type of filling you get. For white fillings made of composite, you can eat and drink right away after the procedure. On the other hand, metal fillings may take some time. You will need to wait at least 24 hours before you eat solid foods.
After your treatment, avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods for up to two weeks. And keep in mind that your dental filling shouldn’t affect your oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth after meals as you normally do.
Taking Medicines for Pain
By now, you are probably aware that some pain and discomfort after a dental filling treatment is normal. Your dentist will prescribe you OTC pain medication, usually acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage the pain after the treatment.
Persistent Pain
If you experience a throbbing or sharp pain even after a few weeks, it can be a sign that the tooth decay has gone too deep into the pulp of your tooth. In this case, your dentist will likely recommend a root canal.
Get Dental Fillings Today
Dental fillings, although a common dental treatment, must be done by a reliable dentist. This is to prevent any issues down the road that can disrupt the quality of your life. That is why it’s important you look for a dentist you’re comfortable with who can provide the best dental services. That way, you can feel at ease when you’re seated on that dental chair for your treatment.
Get quality dental fillings in Markham here at Nasser Dentistry. We are one of the best dentists in the area that can give you better oral health. Book an appointment with us today.