Temporary Tooth Filling
So your dentist chose to use a temporary tooth filling for the next part of your treatment plan. While this dental filling lynnwood washington is effective and sturdy, it is not as well fixed as a permanent filling or crown. The materials your dentist used are not as strong, not as well fitted to your tooth and will not stand up to long term daily usage as your other permanent crowns or fillings. There are some important ways and day to day actions you can take to make your new temporary filling last until your next appointment with your dentist to replace the filling with its permanent solution.
Chewing and Eating
The first way you can ensure your temporary filling will last as long as possible is to try and chew on the other side of your mouth. If you forget and chew occasionally with it that will not cause the filling to come loose and fall out, but doing your best to chew most of the time on the other side will extend the filling’s life. In addition, if you should find yourself chewing with the temporary filling instead of the other side of your mouth, please do so gently and with ease.
The second way you can keep your temporary filling in its place is to avoid eating certain foods. Foods that are hard, like raw carrots or nuts, must be avoided. You should skip foods that are sticky and chewy, like caramel or taffy, or you will find yourself needing a replacement temporary filling. Chewing gum, toffee, raw vegetables, popcorn kernels and croutons are just some of the specific foods that are best once your temporary filling is removed. The moral of the story is to be gentle on the side with the temporary filling and save all the crunchy and clinging foods until your dentist removed your temporary filling.
Brushing and Flossing
While the temporary filling may give you cause for concern when it comes to brushing and flossing, both of those steps of dental care are safe and encouraged. You can switch to a soft bristled brush which will allow you to be tender but remain meticulous when cleaning your teeth. You do not need to avoid brushing the filling, but take care to be gentler when you clean that area of your mouth. A few extra minutes of easy brushing are going to be the best way to keep your temporary filling in place.
Flossing is still going to be a part of your at home dental routine between dental visits but it will require a bit more careful approach. If the temporary filling reaches the edge of your tooth, then be sure to not pull up on the filling with the floss; instead drag the floss along the side of the adjacent tooth. Again, just paying a bit more attention and spending a little more time will really keep the filling in place.
Being careful about chewing on the other side of your mouth, choosing your foods mindfully, gentle brushing and flossing to avoid snagging the filling can all safeguard your temporary filling until your next appointment with your dentist.
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