When it comes to specific oral procedures such as getting or caring for a dental filling, there are a lot of pressing questions that patients might have, but are too scared to ask their dentist in person. While we always encourage you to be open and honest about your concerns regarding dental procedures, cleanings, and examinations, we also want to make sure that all of our patients\u2019 needs are accommodated. With that in mind, we\u2019ve created this exhaustive FAQ page to answer all of your questions regarding tooth fillings.<\/p>\n
Technically, losing a filling isn\u2019t considered a dental emergency as long as you make every effort to get to the dentist as soon as possible to resolve the issue. Call your dentist\u2019s office immediately to inform them of the situation so that that they can schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. Without that filling, the internal structure of your tooth will be exposed to bacteria and other harmful elements, so you may feel some pain, discomfort, and sensitivity.<\/p>\n
There are three different types of fillings and they each vary in terms of their durability and longevity. Gold fillings, which are the highest quality, can last anywhere between 15-30 years. Silver fillings typically last between 10 to 15 years. Lastly, composite resin fillings, which are the lowest grade, last about 5-7 years. You should get your dentist to check your fillings regularly to make sure there are no premature issues with them.<\/p>\n
No dental filling, no matter how durable they\u2019re made to be, can last forever. Eventually, the materials used to make the filling will weaken and break down, which means they\u2019ll need to be replaced. As long as you take good care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and using alcohol-free mouthwash on a daily basis, then you can help lengthen the lifespan of your fillings.<\/p>\n
Yes, you will need to occasionally have your fillings replaced. As mentioned, they\u2019re not meant to last forever, which means that they\u2019ll eventually begin to lose their structural integrity at which point it\u2019ll be time to get new fillings. With proper care, however, fillings can last for many years between replacements.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s completely normal to experience a minimal amount of pain, discomfort, or sensitivity immediately after having a filling placed on one or more of your teeth. Keep in mind that the internal structure of the tooth has been degraded and that\u2019s why you need the filling<\/a> in the first place. Any substance that comes into contact with the affected teeth for the first little while whether it\u2019s hot or cold water, food, or even air can cause it to feel sensitive. It takes a little bit of time for the tooth to adjust to its new structural support and regain some of its strength. This discomfort or pain usually subsides within a few days, but in some cases can last weeks or months.<\/p>\n Yes, your filling can be damaged or fall out as a result of brushing or flossing too aggressively but usually if a filling falls out there was something wrong with it. However, that shouldn\u2019t discourage you from brushing or flossing. It\u2019s important to move your toothbrush in gentle circular motions to avoid removing the protective layer of enamel on your teeth.<\/p>\n Yes, you can still floss even if you have fillings. At first, it might feel a little strange or sensitive around the affected teeth, but flossing is an essential part of your daily oral hygiene and it shouldn\u2019t be neglected.<\/p>\n You can certainly drink water after getting a filling. Just make sure it\u2019s not too hot or too cold as this can lead to severe sensitivity and discomfort. Initially, it\u2019s a smart idea to stick to lukewarm beverages and foods.<\/p>\n Yes, you can eat after getting a filling, although it\u2019s recommended that you wait at least a few hours to allow the anesthetic to wear off. Also, be extremely careful with the types of foods you choose to eat. Stay away from anything that\u2019s too crunchy or spicy. Stick to softer and lukewarm foods that won\u2019t damage your newly placed filling.<\/p>\n That honestly depends on the number of fillings you had done as well as your personal tolerance level for pain and sensitivity. Some patients don\u2019t require anesthesia, whereas others do. The more local anesthesia your dentist uses, the longer it will take for the numbness to subside. However, it shouldn\u2019t last for more than a few hours. There is also available at additional cost, an injectable agent to reverse the local anaesthetic\u00a0cutting the time you feel numb at least in half, some people in as short as 30 mins. find the numb feeling is gone. Ask your dentist if they offer this treatment (Princeview Dental offers this treatment).<\/p>\n While you can certainly take steps to prevent cavities such as refraining eating sugary foods, we certainly don\u2019t recommend filling a cavity at home on your own. For a professional cavity filling, it\u2019s always best to visit your dentist.<\/p>\n The longer you wait to have a filling replaced, the worse the problem will become. Every time you eat or drink something, the acidity level in your mouth rises and this will wear away at the exposed dentin beneath the surface of your tooth, causing more pain and sensitivity. It\u2019s best to contact your dentist immediately after losing a filling.<\/p>\n Princeview Dental Group, located in the heart of The Kingsway, can repair and replace damaged or fallen out dental fillings for patients both existing and new. If you\u2019ve suffered a dental emergency or need to have your tooth refilled, please contact us<\/strong><\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n6. Can you accidentally pull out a filling while brushing or flossing?<\/h2>\n
7. Can you floss when you have one or more fillings?<\/h2>\n
8. Can you drink water after getting a filling?<\/h2>\n
9. Can you eat after getting a filling?<\/h2>\n
10. How long will your mouth feel numb after getting a filling?<\/h2>\n
11. Can I fill a cavity at home?<\/h2>\n
12. How long can I wait before getting my fallen or damaged filling replaced?<\/h2>\n