Take Proper Care of Your Dental Restorations
Dental fillings are used for treating cavities and are performed by Dr. Fredericks at Southern Cal Smiles in Woodland Hills. The procedure is relatively quick and painless, but proper post-operative care is essential to ensure a successful recovery and long-lasting results.
Learn how to care for your dental filling with our comprehensive guide below.
What to Expect
After your procedure, you may experience minimal discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days. You may also experience swelling and minor bleeding, but these symptoms should also resolve quickly.
You may notice a slight change in the color of the treated tooth. This is because the tooth is temporarily dehydrated and will rehydrate over time, returning to its normal color.
How to Care for Your Teeth
To ensure a successful recovery, follow these post-operative care instructions:
- Avoid biting on the treated tooth for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid consuming hot or cold food or drinks for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated tooth.
- Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
- Visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment as scheduled.
Avoiding Complications
To reduce your risk of complications, avoid biting on hard or sticky foods and consuming excessive amounts of sugary or acidic food and drinks. These can cause further damage to the treated tooth and lead to the need for additional treatment.
If you experience any pain or sensitivity that persists or worsens, or if you notice any other unusual symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tooth should heal within a few days after the procedure. If you experience any pain or sensitivity that persists or worsens, or if you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
After your procedure, you should avoid the following for at least the first 24 hours:
- Hard foods
- Sticky foods
- Excessive amounts of sugary or acidic foods and drinks
These can cause further damage to the treated tooth and lead to the need for additional treatment. Soft foods and a balanced diet are recommended for the first few days after the procedure.
Some discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth is normal after the procedure, but it should subside within a few days. If you experience severe pain or prolonged discomfort, contact your dentist for further evaluation.
Yes, continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated tooth.
Yes, the procedure is relatively quick and most patients can return to work or normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, avoid biting on the treated tooth and avoid consuming hot or cold food or drinks for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Post-Op Care is Essential
Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure a successful recovery and long-lasting results for dental fillings. Dr. Fredericks at Southern Cal Smiles in Woodland Hills advises that you follow post-operative care instructions and visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment as scheduled. If you experience any pain or sensitivity that persists or worsens, call Dr. Fredericks or your dentist immediately.