Dental fillings are common today due to increasing dental issues in modern society, with rising incidence of cavities, wedge-shaped defects, and trauma leading to more patients needing fillings. However, certain precautions must be followed.
So, what are the precautions for dental fillings?
1. Generally, on the day of the filling, avoid chewing on the side where the filling was placed. Most filling materials require time to harden. Once fully set, the tooth can resume its chewing function.
2. Provide timely and necessary protection for the filled tooth. Follow your dentist's instructions and avoid chewing food or hard objects with the newly filled tooth.
3. For teeth with extensive decay and large cavities, the tooth structure may be weakened after filling. This increases the risk of fracture during chewing. In such cases, follow your dentist's recommendation to promptly get a porcelain crown to protect the filled tooth.
IV. If a filling cracks or becomes loose, seek dental care promptly. Do not ignore it simply because there is no pain, as the cavity may worsen and eventually cause toothache. After a filling, wait 2-3 days before using the restored tooth for chewing. Initially, chew on the opposite side to prevent tooth fracture or filling dislodgement.
5. If mild discomfort occurs after filling, monitor it initially. Some minor pain may resolve on its own. However, if pain worsens, or if you experience biting pain, throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature, or spontaneous nighttime pain, seek prompt follow-up care to identify the cause and alleviate discomfort.
VI. Avoid chewing with the treated tooth for 24 hours after filling placement to prevent dislodgement. The filling material fully hardens and stabilizes after 24 hours. If the tooth has undergone root canal therapy, its reduced strength due to pulp removal means it cannot handle hard foods. Avoid chewing hard substances to prevent fracture.