Fillings
Dental Fillings In Conroe TX
Dental fillings are a type of dental restoration used to restore minor damage to a tooth caused by tooth decay, broken teeth, fractures, or wear. These dental fillings can be made of composite fillings, silver amalgam fillings, or gold fillings and help to maintain the tooth’s original shape, function, and appearance. Dental fillings are a popular treatment amongst patients of all ages, however, silver amalgam fillings were the primary material used by dentists for many years.
Fortunately, modern dental technology now offers tooth-colored composite fillings as an improved alternative. Dr. Carolyn Jovanovic is proud to offer this solution to patients from Conroe, The Woodlands, Willis, and Spring, Texas areas. With tooth-colored fillings, you can repair a cavity and keep your smile looking its best!
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings have been used for many years due to their superior strength and durability. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is the silver color that it takes on over time, turning almost black. Additionally, this type of filling contains a small amount of mercury, which has caused concern among many patients.
Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings offer an attractive, safe alternative that does not have any of these disadvantages. They last for a long time and do not contain mercury, providing a healthier choice for those with dental concerns.
The composite fillings material used to create tooth-colored fillings is exactly that. The tooth-colored material looks just like a healthy tooth, making it difficult to tell the difference, unlike traditional fillings. But that’s not all – it’s also incredibly durable, much like silver fillings, and can last for years. Best of all, this composite does not contain mercury, making it a great choice for many patients.
The Filling Procedure
Most of us have some understanding of what goes into getting new dental fillings. While the material used in fillings can differ, the experience for the patient is usually the same. Dr. Jovanovic first removes any existing decay or old filling material. After that, the tooth is carefully cleaned and filled with modern composite material. The end result is a restored tooth that appears identical to healthy existing teeth! No more worries about having a different-looking smile.
After Filling Care
Aftercare for your newly filled tooth-colored fillings is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. Proper care for the fillings will ensure their longevity and ensure that they stay looking natural and beautiful.
Avoid chewing hard food on the dental filling for at least 24 hours.
It is also important to avoid eating sticky or chewy foods that could pull the temporary fillings out of place. This includes foods such as chewy candy, gum, and taffy. Additionally, it is important to limit sweet foods, and drinks, as these could increase your risk of tooth decay-causing bacteria. If you are unsure about the food you are eating, it is best to avoid it. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss once a day to keep the dental filling clean.
Avoid hot or cold liquids for at least 24 hours.
It is important to avoid both hot and cold liquids for at least 24 hours after a dental filling procedure. This is because dramatic temperature changes can cause discomfort, and they can also irritate the area and slow down the healing process. If you must have a drink, it is best to have lukewarm liquids such as water. Additionally, it is important to avoid drinking through a straw as the suction can cause irritation to the area. Stick to soft foods and lukewarm liquids to prevent any further discomfort.
Avoid grinding your teeth for at least 24 hours.
Tooth grinding can cause significant damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, so it is important to take measures to avoid it. After 24 hours, if the grinding still persists, you should consider consulting a dentist to have your teeth examined. Your dentist may suggest various treatments, such as a night guard, to help you stop grinding your teeth. Additionally, you should try to practice good stress management techniques such as deep breathing or yoga to help reduce your stress levels. These activities can help to reduce muscle tension and reduce the likelihood of involuntary teeth grinding.
Avoid biting your nails or using your teeth as tools for at least 24 hours.
This might seem like a small and insignificant task, but it can be surprisingly difficult to break the habit of biting your nails or using your teeth as tools. To make matters more difficult, it’s a habit that many of us do without even conscious thought. To give yourself the best chance of success, it helps to be aware of when you’re doing it in the first place. Try to catch yourself whenever you start to bite your nails or use your teeth as tools and replace the behavior with something else that will occupy your hands, such as squeezing a stress ball or doodling. Over time, you’ll be able to break the habit and develop healthier behaviors.
Gently brush the affected area with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.
You can also try using a tongue scraper to remove any surface bacteria and debris. Start by gently scraping from the back of the tongue to the front. Be sure not to press too hard as this can cause irritation. Once you have scraped the entire tongue, rinse your mouth with warm water and use the toothbrush and toothpaste again to gently brush the tongue. This can help keep the area clean and promote better breath. After brushing, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash for added protection.
Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque.
It’s important to floss daily because it helps to remove plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and contains bacteria that can cause cavities. Flossing also helps to prevent gum disease, which is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup.
Additionally, flossing can help to prevent bad breath, which can be caused by bacteria trapped between your teeth. When you floss, be sure to use a gentle sawing motion and avoid snapping the floss against your gums. To ensure a thorough job, be sure to floss all the way to the gum line and make sure to floss each tooth. Taking the time to floss daily is important for your overall oral health.
Rinse with warm salt water to reduce discomfort and/or swelling.
To further reduce discomfort and/or swelling, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may be taken. Ibuprofen is one of the common medications used to reduce inflammation and pain. However, it should not be taken without consulting a healthcare provider or reading the dosage instructions on the label.
Additionally, applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Applying a cold compress for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day can help to relieve symptoms. Finally, avoiding activities that put a strain on the affected area and elevating the area above the heart to reduce swelling can help to alleviate discomfort.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash or rinse to reduce the risk of infection.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene habits in order to reduce the risk of dental infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can cause infection. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups, as this can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and the development of dental infections. Additionally, avoiding the use of tobacco products can also help to reduce the risk of infection.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to ensure the longevity of your filling.
It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits in order to maintain the health of your filling. This includes brushing and flossing every day, as well as cutting down on sugary and acidic foods. Additionally, you should avoid chewing on hard objects such as pencils or ice cubes, as they can damage the filling.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist about them during your regular checkups. By taking the necessary steps to care for your filling, you can help it last longer and protect your teeth from further decay.
Contact Our Office Today
Are you in need of a dental filling? We invite you to visit our dental office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic. Our practice is proud to serve patients from The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, TX.
If you are feeling any kind of pain or discomfort in your teeth, it is important to get professional dental care right away. Our dental office is conveniently located and offers a wide range of services. Our team of experienced dentists, hygienists, and support staff will ensure that you get the personalized attention you need. Our mission is to make sure that your visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We are here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about your dental health. Get in touch with us today to book your appointment!
Contact Our Office Today
If you think you may need a filling, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic. We serve patients from throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area.