Categories: Composite Fillings

3 Tips for Extending the Longevity of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the perfect resolution to having a cavity and preventing more tooth decay. However, they do not last forever. If you opt to pay for the more expensive cast gold or porcelain fillings, then you are looking at up to 15 years before they may need to be replaced.

Start taking care of your fillings right away. You shouldn’t eat anything super chewy or hard for at least two weeks after getting your fillings. Your dentist will give you some steps to ensure you watch out for them and make sure you understand how to take care of them. 

The typical composite fillings made out of artificial substances last for around 10 to possibly 12 years. You won’t even know your fillings are there, so it can be easy to forget what steps to take to take care of them. There are some things you can do to get the most extended life out of your dental fillings.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

After you get a filling, you need to do whatever it takes to keep up with a regular, thorough routine for taking care of your teeth. This includes brushing at least two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with a mouthwash that reduces bacteria. Remember to use floss once a day as well. 

You also want to avoid any foods that contain acids like soda or processed foods. Be sure not to drink anything that has been proven to stain teeth, such as wine, coffee, or tea. If you drink any of those items, brush your teeth, and it is even helpful to use a straw with them. Anything that can benefit your oral health is worth doing. 

Make healthier food choices

Everything you put in your mouth can affect your teeth and fillings. You want to make sure you are doing everything to prevent tooth decay, so eating healthier needs to be a priority. Avoiding tobacco products is a must. Choose less sugar, candy, and sweets. A healthy diet is proven to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best over time. 

Some people have sensitive teeth after they get fillings and if that’s the case, avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or too cold because this will aggravate the sensation.  

A healthier diet is an excellent all-around habit to get into and can have lasting benefits beyond oral health.

Regular visits to the dentist

Making regular appointments with your dentist will help keep your mouth healthy and help your fillings last longer. You can also ask your dentist to check on your fillings to ensure they are still firmly intact.

Your dentist will monitor your dental fillings to ensure they don’t need replacing due to regular chewing wear and tear or secondary tooth decay. Let your dentist know if you experience any type of pain while chewing or have intense sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or food. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.leixdental.com or call Leix Dental at (815) 604-6104 for an appointment in our Lakewood office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Lakewood, IL.

 

Recent Posts

Common Signs That You May Need Dental Fillings

Curious about dental fillings? Read on to learn more about this common dental restoration. The mouth serves as a gateway to our overall health, and the condition of one's teeth can offer insights into various aspects of our well-being. One of the major ways to maintain good oral health is to promptly address dental decay…

Popular Dental Filling Material

Dental fillings are the first line of defense when it comes to stopping tooth decay in its tracks. Tooth decay is caused by the acids created by oral bacteria. These microorganisms feast on food particles that are left on teeth surfaces after meals, converting the sugars in them into acids that eat away at teeth…

How Cosmetic Dental Services Can Create Positive Change To Your Smile

Are you considering cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile? Some people may think that cosmetic treatments are only about appearances. However, many cosmetic dental services are functional and cosmetic. Having straight teeth and an aligned bite can improve your smile in more than just appearance.Over the years, modern cosmetic dentistry has expanded to include…

Cosmetic Dental Services With Natural Tooth Color

Cosmetic dental services often involve using tooth-colored restorations to restore damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. Restorations, like crowns, can be made from materials like gold, silver, and metal alloys, but these materials look nothing like natural teeth. Most patients prefer restorations made from materials that share properties with real teeth, like porcelain, ceramics, and composites.…

Leix Dental

Share
Published by
Leix Dental

Recent Posts

Are Oral Cancer Screenings Necessary?

While it is not always necessary, most dentists recommend regular oral cancer screenings to ensure…

1 week ago

What to Expect at Your Family Dentist Appointment

A family dentist appointment generally focuses on overall preventive care and minor treatments unless a…

2 months ago

Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Tips for Longevity

A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the…

3 months ago

Why You Should Rest after a Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, patients do not exactly need to be bedridden, but what they want…

4 months ago

How Does Dental Oral Appliance Therapy Treat Sleep Apnea?

The main reason why sleep apnea treatment from a dental professional is so popular is…

5 months ago

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can enhance your smile in a significant way. Here are the benefits of…

6 months ago