Everybody wants to learn how to take care of tooth filling. Sometimes you hear that a friend has broken or lost their tooth filling. Somehow it needs to be repaired or replaced, and you wonder how that is possible. When it’s time to restore your smile with a tooth filling, your goal is to make sure your tooth filling does not need to be replaced or repaired. As you know, dental fillings are an effective treatment for someone experiencing a dental cavity.
What is a dental cavity?
A dental cavity is a decayed area that develops into tiny holes in your teeth. There are three types of cavities: smooth surface cavities, root cavities, and pit or fissure cavities.
A smooth cavity is found on the flat and smooth side of your teeth, while root cavities develop on the roots’ surface. A pit or fissure cavity is located on the chewing surface of your teeth. There are a few reasons cavities form, including improper cleaning, frequent snacking, and drinking sugary drinks. Frequent snacking and consuming sugary snacks increase the amount of time your teeth are exposed to acid attacks on your tooth enamel. As a preventative measure, you will need a comprehensive oral exam every six months to evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene and assess your risk of tooth decay.
If a cavity has formed, then you will need a filling. First, let’s review the signs and symptoms of a cavity. According to the Mayo Clinic, when a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms. As the decay grows larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- All of a sudden, you have a toothache or pain that happens without any obvious reason
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Mild to sharp pain when chewing or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
- You spot visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Discoloured spots on your teeth such as brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
- Very noticeable pain when you bite down
What is a tooth filling?
To treat a cavity, our dental team will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area with a dental filling material. Your teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-coloured plastic or composite resin fillings.
How to make a cavity filling last
The first step is to have good oral hygiene and visit your dentist every six months. As a daily practice, you need to brush with fluoride toothpaste and make sure to floss. Many patients have also successfully used an antibacterial mouth wash at least once daily. You can again rinse your mouth with water when you eat or drink sugary foods. With the filling in place and your smile restored, it is also a could idea to follow the following tips:
- Choose a non-abrasive toothbrush to avoid damaging your restorations.
- Do your best to remove plaque from your teeth.
- Avoid very hot foods as they can disrupt the bond of the fillings.
- Drink water instead of acidic drinks
- Avoid biting hard, chewy, or sticky foods for about two weeks.
- Avoid chewing on ice. As a general rule, hot and cold foods make the filling material expand and contract.
Now you know how to take care of a tooth filling.
Learn more about preventing tooth decay and treating tooth sensitivity after a cavity filling.
Schedule A Comprehensive Dental Examination
If you’ve fallen behind on your dental health routine, we’re here to help you get back on track. Schedule a comprehensive dental examination at your trusted Port Coquitlam dentist.. Located at 2663 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C3G7, we offer top-notch care and convenience for patients from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and beyond. Our approachable team, personalized care, and advanced technology ensure you receive the best service. Call us at 604-464-4131 or click here to request an appointment.
