Temporary Tooth Filling

There are numerous reasons that a dentist may opt to use a temporary dental filling valparaiso. You may have had a root canal or perhaps you are waiting for a permanent filling or crown for a tooth with an issue. Regardless of the reason, this article will review best practices and limitations of a temporary tooth filling until the tooth is permanently fixed.

Unusual Sensations

As the anesthesia begins to wear off from the filling, use caution to avoid biting or manipulating the treated area. It will most likely be numb for a little while. This can make it easy to accidentally injure the side of your mouth or tongue which has received the anesthesia.

It is common to feel an uncomfortable tingling sensation as the anesthesia starts to wear off. This sensation will subside as the medication continues to be eliminated from your body and the side effects go away.

Avoid consuming any liquids which are hot as you will not be able to feel the temperature of the beverage and it can easily burn your mouth.

Caution with Chewing

Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions based on the particular filing you receive. The following are some general guidelines as it relates to chewing food.

Avoid chewing only on the side of your mouth which has the temporary filling. It can be difficult to remember to do this when you are consuming food and you may forget and end up chewing food on that side of your mouth. Use caution and be gentle chewing with your chewing to help prevent damage.

Your dentist may also tell you to avoid chewing using the effected side of your mouth for at least 24 hours after you receive a silver filling. For patients with white fillings, you are able to chew on that side of the mouth as soon as the numbness is gone.

Try to exclusively eat soft foods and work to avoid foods which are hard or crunchy. You should also avoid consuming foods which are sticky such as coffee or chewing gum.

Temporary fillings typically need to last a few weeks or more. During the time that the temporary filling is placed, it can be easy to forget about your filling and accidentally use it to chew. This should not be an issue. Be sure to only chew gently on the impacted side of your mouth and you should not have any issues with the filling. Some foods should be avoided entirely while you have the temporary filling. This can include foods which are hard, crunchy and chewy.

Brushing and Flossing

After you receive a temporary filling, you may be concerned about your routine oral care which includes brushing and flossing. It is completely acceptable and recommended to brush as you normally would around the tooth with the new filling. Be sure to use a soft or an extra-soft bristled toothbrush, and be gentle with your brushing.

Flossing around the tooth with the new filling may be a bit challenging. In cases where the filling reaches the edge of the tooth, use extra caution with flossing. Contrary to pulling up to remove the floss from between the teeth, pull it out of the side. This helps prevent the floss from snagging on the temporary filling and damaging it.

By following the correct precautions and care, your temporary tooth filling will be strong enough to stay in place until you are able to receive the permanent filling.

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