Fillings
One a filling has been placed, you should be able to chew almost anything with it. There are some occasions when a filling may be sensitive for a period afterwards, especially if the decay in the tooth was very deep. This sensitivity usually disappears.
If the decay was very deep, there may be a risk of the nerve dying. This means either root canal therapy and perhaps a crown, or you may prefer to have the tooth removed. We can't predict the chance of this happening.
If the bite doesn't feel right, that is, there seems to be more pressure on the tooth when you close together, than on the surrounding teeth, then the bite will need to be adjusted to correct this. This is not something that goes away, and to leave it may result in ongoing pain and sensitivity in the tooth, or the one it is biting against, and in the worst case scenario, can lead to cracking or even death of the nerve.
There is no answer as to how long a filling should last, although they are not as sturdy in the long term as crowns.
However, the single most important factor is hygiene.
The edges of many fillings are under the gum level and between the teeth.
These are the most difficult areas to keep clean. This is where brushing is very important. This should be done in a non traumatic way, and at least twice a day to keep it clean. You should also floss between the teeth, because this is the only way to keep these areas clean.
If you are unsure as to how to use floss, or as to the appropriate brushing technique, please arrange to see us so that we can show you how.
One a filling has been placed, you should be able to chew almost anything with it. There are some occasions when a filling may be sensitive for a period afterwards, especially if the decay in the tooth was very deep. This sensitivity usually disappears.
If the decay was very deep, there may be a risk of the nerve dying. This means either root canal therapy and perhaps a crown, or you may prefer to have the tooth removed. We can't predict the chance of this happening.
If the bite doesn't feel right, that is, there seems to be more pressure on the tooth when you close together, than on the surrounding teeth, then the bite will need to be adjusted to correct this. This is not something that goes away, and to leave it may result in ongoing pain and sensitivity in the tooth, or the one it is biting against, and in the worst case scenario, can lead to cracking or even death of the nerve.
There is no answer as to how long a filling should last, although they are not as sturdy in the long term as crowns.
However, the single most important factor is hygiene.
The edges of many fillings are under the gum level and between the teeth.
These are the most difficult areas to keep clean. This is where brushing is very important. This should be done in a non traumatic way, and at least twice a day to keep it clean. You should also floss between the teeth, because this is the only way to keep these areas clean.
If you are unsure as to how to use floss, or as to the appropriate brushing technique, please arrange to see us so that we can show you how.
Post Treatment Advice
CB Dental
www.cbdental.com.au E-Mail: reception@cbdental.com.au Tel: 02 6282 7633 Fax: 02 6282 7644