How To Stay Comfortable After Getting Dental Fillings in Crozet!

If you’ve recently had a dental filling, you’ll be glad to know that the hardest part is over! Your dentist has removed the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth and restored it with a strong, long-lasting material so it can function for many years to come. But even with the undeniable benefits of this dental procedure, it’s not uncommon to have mild sensitivity to cold, sweets or chewing pressure in the days or weeks after it’s been done.

Since we do so many dental fillings in Crozet, we thought we’d write a blog to address some of the most common questions and concerns we hear from our patients. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Would a Filling Feel Sensitive After It’s Been Done?

Before we discuss the do’s and don’ts of post-op care, we’ll talk about the anatomy of a tooth and why you might experience sensitivity after a filling in the first place.

A tooth has three layers. The outer layer is called enamel and is the hardest part of the tooth. The middle layer is called dentin, which is a bit softer than enamel. The innermost layer is called the pulp and is where the nerve resides.

If a cavity is extensive and has gotten close to the nerve, your dentist has to remove a large portion of damaged tooth structure. The process of doing that can sometimes irritate the nerve.

After the filling has been completed, it can take time for the nerve to “calm down” and stop feeling sensitive. Treating the tooth with a little TLC during this time can reduce some of this sensitivity!

Tips For After Getting Fillings In Crozet

Although “silver” fillings are increasingly rare, you’ll want to be extra careful for a couple of days after getting one because they aren’t fully set right away. Avoid anything sticky, chewy or hard because there’s a small chance you could dislodge the filling.

Tooth-colored fillings are fully set when you leave, so you don’t have to avoid sticky foods!

As a dentist in Crozet, here are some tips we give our patients after a filling, regardless of the type of filling they’ve had:

• Be aware of temperature – The nerve may be extra sensitive to hot or cold, so pass on foods like popsicles or hot soup for a few days.
• Chew gently – After each bite of food, try to chew slowly and with light pressure. Treating your tooth gently means you’re less likely to cause any discomfort.
• Avoid sweets – Sugars from foods like candies, soda or dried fruit can trigger sensitivity.
• Don’t chew anything hard – Definitely avoid chewing ice, nuts or hard candies for a day or two. Challenging the tooth too much with these foods can increase sensitivity.
• Reach out if necessary – Remember, if your teeth are still sensitive after several weeks, don’t hesitate to call your restorative dentist in Crozet.

With these guidelines, you can rest assured your new filling will help your tooth function comfortably for many years!

About the Author

When it comes to fillings, all of the dentists at Blue Ridge Dental want to help their patients have the best experience possible –from start to finish. They know the most common issues people can have afterward and make sure their patients are prepared to handle them. If you have any questions, they can be reached through their website or at (434) 823-2385.