Durable Dental Fillings in Joondalup

The longevity of dental fillings varies from five to 15 years or longer, based on the type of material and other considerations. You can support the longevity of your dental fillings by following these tips:

1. Maintain good oral hygiene practices:
   To keep your teeth clean, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste containing fluoride to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. Floss at least once a day to reduce plaque and food particles around your fillings and teeth.
2. Avoid hard and sticky foods:
   Eating hard foods such as nuts, popcorn kernels, and ice can make fillings break or come loose. Sticky foods like caramel and gummy candies can also pull fillings out. Instead, opt for softer, more nutritious food choices.
3. Use a mouthguard:
   To protect your teeth if you grind them while sleeping or play sports that involve physical contact, use a mouthguard made just for you. This protects your fillings from excessive wear, tear, or damage due to impact.
4. Visit your dentist regularly:
   Schedule an appointment with your dentist for check-ups and professional teeth cleanings twice a year or as often as they suggest. This allows monitoring of your fillings’ condition and early issue detection, extending their lifespan.
5. Address any tooth sensitivity:
   If you experience sensitivity or discomfort around a filling, contact your dentist promptly. This could indicate a failing filling that needs replacement to prevent further tooth damage.

Dental fillings are designed to withstand daily biting and chewing pressures, but they aren’t indestructible. Caring for your fillings and maintaining good oral hygiene helps them last longer, avoiding more extensive dental work.

No, dental cavity fillings are generally not painful, as dentists use various methods to promote patient comfort. Here are factors that make dental fillings comfortable:

• Local anaesthesia:
  To start the filling process, your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth that needs treatment. This numbing agent blocks pain signals, allowing you to remain comfortable throughout the treatment.
• Sedation options:
  If you feel nervous about dental procedures or need more involved treatment, your dentist may offer sedation to help you relax. At Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup, we offer IV sedation and general anaesthesia administered by trained professionals to help you relax during the procedure.
• Gentle techniques:
  Dentists use modern, gentle techniques when removing decay and placing fillings to minimise discomfort. They work carefully and efficiently to complete the procedure with minimal disturbance to the surrounding tooth structure.
• Caring and supportive staff:
  A friendly, caring dental team can help put you at ease during your filling appointment. Your dentist will listen to your worries, respond to your questions, and offer guidance and reassurance during the entire procedure.

While you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort in the filled tooth following the procedure, this is usually temporary. If you experience sensitivity after your treatment, taking non-prescription pain medication can help. The sensitivity should go away within a couple of days.

Even though dental fillings are usually safe and work well, some possible risks come with getting them. Before having the procedure done, it’s important to understand these risks and talk about them with your dentist.

Here are the risks associated with dental fillings:

• Allergic reactions:
  In some cases, people may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in fillings, especially metal amalgam ones. This can cause symptoms like rashes on the skin, itching, and swelling. If you’re aware of any allergies you have to dental materials, make sure to let your dentist know before getting a filling.
• Tooth sensitivity:
  After getting a filling, you might notice that your tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet things for a little while. This usually subsides within a few days to a few weeks. If sensitivity persists, contact your dentist, as it may indicate a problem with the filling.
• Filling failure:
  Over time, fillings may wear down, crack, or fall out, especially if you grind your teeth or bite on hard objects. Regular dental check-ups can help detect failing fillings early, allowing for prompt replacement before further damage occurs.
• Tooth decay around the filling:
  If the filling is not properly sealed or if decay develops around the edges of the filling, bacteria can enter and cause new cavities. To help avoid this problem, take good care of your teeth and gums and see your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.
• Nerve damage:
  It’s uncommon, but sometimes, the process of filling a tooth can hurt the nerve inside, resulting in pain or sensitivity. If the nerve is badly damaged, you might need root canal therapy to address the problem and prevent losing the tooth.

It’s important to remember that the benefits of addressing cavities with dental fillings far outweigh the potential risks. To reduce the chances of problems and keep your beautiful smile for years, take good care of your teeth and gums and stay in touch with your dentist.

After getting a dental cavity filling, you can usually eat as soon as the numbness from the local anaesthesia wears off. This generally takes about one to three hours. However, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat to avoid damaging the new filling.

Recommended food to eat after getting a dental cavity filling:

• Soft foods:
  Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as smoothies, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes. These foods are gentle on your new filling and won’t put too much pressure on the tooth.
• Cold foods:
  Cold foods like ice cream, pudding, and chilled soups can help soothe any discomfort or sensitivity you may experience after the procedure. Eat these foods slowly and cautiously to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue while the numbing effect is still present.
• Lukewarm foods:
  If you prefer warm meals, opt for lukewarm foods like soup, scrambled eggs, or pasta. Avoid extremely hot foods and drinks, as they can cause sensitivity or damage to the new filling.
• Nutrient-rich foods:
  Eat foods packed with vitamins and minerals to help your body heal. Examples include soft fruits like bananas and cooked vegetables like steamed carrots or spinach.

It’s advisable to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first few days after getting a dental cavity filling. These foods can put excessive pressure on the new filling and potentially cause it to crack or dislodge.

If you experience any persistent pain, sensitivity, or discomfort while eating after getting a filling, contact a dentist. They can assess the situation and guide you on how to manage your symptoms and protect your new filling.

Yes, dental fillings can fall out, although it is not a common occurrence with proper care. Fillings may fall out due to wear and tear over time, particularly if you grind your teeth or bite on hard objects. Decay developing around the filling can also cause it to loosen and eventually fall out. In some cases, trauma to the tooth, such as from a blow to the face, can dislodge a filling.

If your dental filling falls out, here’s what you should do:

1. Contact your dentist:
   Call our team at Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to replace the filling. Let them know that your filling has fallen out so they can prioritise your appointment.
2. Protect the tooth:
   Until you can see your dentist, protect the exposed tooth to prevent further damage or sensitivity. You can use moist cotton, available at most pharmacies, to cover the cavity and create a barrier.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene:
   Continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual, being gentle around the affected tooth. If the exposed area is sensitive, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
4. Avoid certain foods:
   Stay away from hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that can cause sensitivity or pain in the exposed tooth. Eat soft foods and, when you can, chew using the other side of your mouth.
5. Manage pain and sensitivity:
   If you’re feeling pain or sensitivity, taking non-prescription pain medication can provide relief. Additionally, holding a cold compress against your cheek can help lessen swelling and discomfort.

Prompt treatment is critical when a filling falls out to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. Your dentist will examine the problem and decide what needs to be done. They might put in a new filling or look into other ways to restore your tooth if needed.