When Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?

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When Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?

Tooth fillings are generally not welcomed with open arms by patients once their dentist makes such a recommendation.

Aside from the seemingly primal fear of the sound of the dental drill, the pain expected once the anesthesia wears off makes people wonder if they can eat at all after the filling session is done.

So if you’re wont to ask: “When can I eat after a filling?” Dr. Farhat, a trusted orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, has the following answer and tips to ensure minimal discomfort after getting a filling:

Tooth Filling Tips

  • The anesthetic administered prior to the filling procedure normally wears off after about one to three hours. Once this happens, you may start eating soft foods such as soup or porridge (nothing too sticky, though).
  • After the filling work is done, some discomfort, tooth sensitivity, and soreness may be experienced for a couple of hours, days or even weeks.
  • What you can eat after getting your teeth filled is dependent on the material used. Silver may require you to avoid hard foods and no direct chewing for up to 24 hours. Teeth with composite (white) fillings which harden right away can be used for chewing as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Softer filling material like amalgam may require you to wait longer before you can bite or chew on solid foods.
  • Take note of whether or not you feel the recently filled teeth hitting first when you bite, as this should not be the case. A quick visit to your dentist would be necessary.
  • Be sure to bite and chew gently, and try to avoid using the filled teeth for these right away.
  • Since cold air can trigger tooth sensitivity in some people, always make it a point to chew with your mouth closed to prevent tooth pain.
  • Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, says to avoid getting any of your fillings dislodged because of food, try not to eat sticky food at first, and wait for the filling to completely set.
  • Extreme heat and cold can trigger tooth sensitivity, so choose to consume moderately warm or cool food items and beverages.
  • Lay off the sweets! Consuming sugary drinks and foods can lead to bacterial growth in the areas around the new filling.
  • Keep away from tough, hard food items like hard candies, nuts, and ice. Aside from possibly causing pain and discomfort, biting hard can dislodge any unset fillings.

With the above expert advice, you should know by now that getting tooth fillings do not equate to starving afterward. Additionally, pain management is quite possible if you follow your dentist’s instructions. So, happy filling!

 

Things You Need to Know About Temporary Filling Aftercare

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As their name implies, temporary fillings are used by dentists as a partial solution until the patient is ready for a permanent solution for a dental issue.

Cases where temporary fillings are used

According to Dr. Farhat, there are several instances wherein temporary fillings are used.

One such example is when a patient has suffered a dental emergency. In such a situation, a dentist in Sterling Heights needs to administer a quick solution to the emergency which can be used until the patient’s next dental visit.

If you are undergoing a root canal procedure, your dentist may use a temporary filling in order to protect the affected tooth until your next appointment. The temporary filling is used primarily to protect said tooth from bacteria and food debris.

A Sterling Heights dentist will sometimes use a temporary filling if he is unsure if the tooth can still be saved or needs to be extracted. If the decay in the tooth is found close to its nerve, the dentist will need to buy some time to determine the final outcome, whether the tooth can be saved with permanent fillings or needs to be extracted.

There are instances wherein the teeth of patients with new permanent fillings become sensitive to temperature extremes. In some cases, the issue resolves itself. In other cases, the dentist needs to remove the permanent filling and replace this with what is called a sedative temporary filling. This type of filling is used until the sensitivity is eliminated.

Finally, temporary fillings are used in patients with fractured teeth. These fillings are used while a permanent solution like a crown or veneer is ready for installation.

Your quick guide for temporary filling aftercare

Due to their temporary nature, patients need to be extra careful in caring and maintaining these fillings. Specifically, you would want your temporary fillings to remain on your tooth just until your next dental visit.

Here are things you need to know about temporary filling aftercare.

Eat mindfully. There are several types of temporary fillings dentists can choose from, depending on the unique circumstance of the patient.

But whatever type of temporary filling is used on your tooth, you must take great care while eating. Ideally, you should avoid chewing your food with the affected tooth. How long this will last will depend on the type of filling used.

As a rule of thumb, avoid eating hard and crunchy foods. It may also be beneficial to go on a soft diet.

Clean your teeth with care.

Although teeth with temporary fillings can be cleaned like normal teeth, you have to be careful when brushing and flossing.

In brushing your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid using vigorous strokes. When flossing, pull gently on each side of the affected tooth to prevent snagging the edge of the filling with the floss.

Monitor your tooth.

Your dentist will give you a rundown of things that you may experience once the anesthesia wears off. These may include numbness and discomfort.

You need to watch out for anything unusual and contact your dentist if something is going on.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

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Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause infections and pain that will hinder speaking, eating, learning, and playing.

With the controlled addition of fluoride compound to the public water supplies, a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry says that this is a cost-effective way to fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Indeed, drinking tap water may help at the dentist.

Fluoride and Your Teeth

Fluoride will make your entire tooth surface more resistant to decay. Also, it promotes remineralization, which is crucial for repairing early decay. Water fluoridation is considered to be the best source of fluoride.

Tap water has been treated with fluoride in order to prevent cavities. Water fluoridation can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay both in children and adults. While teeth are erupting under the gums, the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel. This way, it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavities. And when the teeth erupt, fluoride will rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Also, it can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Whenever you use fluoride dental products, you are giving your mouth a topical benefit since the fluoride is directly applied to your teeth’s surface.

In the US, more than 144 million residents in over 10,000 communities are drinking fluoridated tap water. And this can provide an automatic defense against the unsafe ingredients causing preventable oral health disease.

Rather than drilling holes in order to fix cavities, dentists prefer educating the public about tips for preventing tooth decay. A Sterling Heights dentist further emphasized that drinking tap water is safe; it is the most effective way of receiving fluoride. Also, this is more affordable than going to your dentist for a filling.

Varnish is also an effective source of fluoride. Applied by your dentist, varnish is among the most concentrated products today. This product has sodium fluoride that will adhere to your tooth surfaces when there is saliva, thus giving an excellent fluoride treatment.

By keeping fluoride in your mouth, its ability to prevent demineralization will be enhanced. Varnishes are better choices for this purpose as opposed to fluoridated toothpaste or drinking water. Typically, fluoridated varnishes are for those who do not receive sufficient fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, and other sources.

Fluoride can be found in salt products, specialty milk, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the fluoride that the fluoridated water and varnish methods have can help reduce cavities by over 30%. If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to visit your dentist now to prevent further damage to your teeth and mouth.

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

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I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

Most people think that all dental cavities cause pain. Dr Fadi Farhat, a leading Sterling Heights dentist, says that there is no truth to this notion. You can have a dental cavity but not feel any pain or discomfort at all.

The Tooth Decay Process

A small cavity in the tooth indicates the early stages of tooth decay. At this point, your tooth will not hurt. This is because the cavity is only found on the enamel, the hardest portion of the tooth. Since this part is hard and it does not contain any nerve endings, decay in this area does not cause pain.

If nothing is done to treat the tooth, the cavity will affect the next layer, the dentin. The dentin is not as tough as the enamel but it does not contain any nerve endings as well. As such, dental caries found on the dentin will not cause any pain or discomfort either.

Dealing with Cavities

Your dentist is the best person who can ascertain if you have any cavities or not. Regardless of the size of the cavity and even if it still located on the enamel or dentin, you need to get the right dental treatment immediately.

Your dentist will be able to detect cavities through two ways:

  • X-ray. Small cavities and some medium-sized ones, which are often painless, may only be visible through an X-ray or under high magnification.
  • Physical or clinical check-up. Your dentist will place a pointed dental instrument (an explorer) into the suspected area. If the explorer sticks in or penetrates the area, there is a cavity already present.

Keep in mind that if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow bigger and make its way to the nerve inside the tooth. At this point, you will start suffering from a severe, recurring toothache. If you don’t get the appropriate treatment, it can cause other dental issues and even tooth loss.

The bottom line is, if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, don’t wait until it becomes painful before you have it treated. The best time to have a cavity removed or treated is when it is still in its early stages.

If you wait until you start feeling pain, you will end up getting a surgical procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction as treatment. To avoid suffering from severe toothaches and the hassles of undergoing an invasive and expensive dental procedure, have your cavities treated immediately as soon as they appear.

What Are Your Options for Broken Tooth Repair?

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Human teeth are surprisingly strong. Just take a look at the diverse array of food that your teeth can cut, chew and break down into smaller pieces – from meats to veggies and fruits to nuts.

That is not to say that your teeth are invulnerable. No. Your teeth can be damaged over time due to poor care, or in an instant due to injuries or accidents.

Teeth can become broken or cracked due to different reasons.

For example, the surface of a tooth can get cracked to its root. Left unchecked, this can lead to a split tooth — here, there is a visible separation of the affected tooth into segments and it can no longer be saved.

A vertical root fracture, on the other hand, occurs when the crack begins at the tooth’s root, extending toward the chewing surface.

Whatever the cause of your broken tooth, getting it examined as soon as possible is crucial to avoid further complications like infections and extensive damage.

Here are a few broken tooth repair options that your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend.

Dental bonding 

Dental bonding is a procedure that is used for a variety of conditions including the treatment of discolored, misshapen, and broken teeth.

This procedure entails the application of a putty on the affected tooth which will then be molded and smoothed. Your dentist will then use ultraviolet light to cure and harden the putty.

Veneers

Another option available for people with broken teeth is veneers. Veneers are thin shells that may be made out of different materials and are used to cover the front surface of a tooth.

Veneers are quite popular among patients and dentists for their durability.

Crowns

Dentists recommend the use of crowns for teeth that have been chipped extensively and to patients who experience pain when chewing and/or drinking.

Essentially, a crown serves as a cap or cover for the affected tooth, providing both protection and enhancement of the appearance of the tooth.

Root canal

If the crack on the tooth extends toward its pulp, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. This treatment can help prevent infections which could then lead to complications like an abscess and bone loss.

Contrary to what some patients may believe, a root canal is not painful. At the hands of an experienced professional, you may experience just a slight discomfort while the decayed tooth matter and nerves are removed.

Dental implants

If the tooth is beyond repair due to extensive damage, your only recourse may be to have it extracted.

Fortunately, when you have a tooth extracted, there are a few options you can choose from when it comes to replacing it, including dental implants.

Among the different tooth replacement options, dental implants provide good value for your money by restoring the natural appearance and function of teeth, on top of their unmatched durability.

Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth With Dental Sealants

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Preventing cavities is a must for young children because tooth decay can result in the worst pain they can experience in their early life.

However, reminding the little ones constantly to brush their teeth doesn’t always work. You have to deal with their laziness and their dislike for the oral care activity, which are pretty much the reasons why four million preschoolers these days suffer from tooth decay.

If you wish to preserve your children’s teeth better, there are dental solutions that can do the trick. Among them are dental sealants, which are made of a thin, plastic material that is painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth – the premolars and molars – in order to prevent cavities from developing.

Dental sealants adhere quickly to the depressions and grooves of teeth. They serve as a shield for the teeth’s enamel from the germs, bacteria, and acids that cause tooth decay. They are a fantastic way to give your children an advantage in maintaining a healthy mouth.

Are Your Kids Good Candidates for Dental Sealants?

If your children eat a lot of sugary food and their oral hygiene practices are not as fine-honed as you want them to be, dental sealants are a must, according to a Sterling Heights dentist. This solution is even more important after permanent teeth have emerged because when children lose their permanent teeth, they’re lost for good.

It’s important to point out, however, that dental sealants can also be used on really young children and adults.

How Effective are Dental Sealants?

Very.

A report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that children between the ages 6 to 11 who have sealants are three times less prone to getting cavities on their first molars that those who don’t.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last up to a decade with proper maintenance. During regular dental checkups, the dentist will inspect how the sealants are holding up to make sure that they are protecting the teeth as they should. If the quality of the sealants has been compromised, the dentist will recommend a reapplication, which is a quick and painless process.

It is rather important to teach kids how to make their dental sealants last, though. Some highly recommended tips are to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and to avoid using teeth as tools (such as for tearing open a bag of chips) — while dental sealants are durable, they are not completely impervious to the scratches caused by such friction.

7 possible reasons for tooth pain

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Why does my tooth hurt?

The average person will suffer from mild to extreme toothaches several times during his or her lifetime. The severity or pain level usually depends on the cause behind a toothache.

If you’re thinking “Why does my tooth hurt?” every now and then, a trusted Sterling Heights dentist shares some possible reasons below:

Tooth decay

The most common cause of toothaches is tooth decay. However, for the tooth and the surrounding area to really hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough that it has already reached the inner layer of the tooth — the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged, the tooth becomes highly sensitive and a cavity has already developed.

Tooth abscess or infection

If a cavity has already affected the root beneath the visible tooth, the root and the surrounding tissue will soon become infected. This, in turn, can cause a pulsating and unbearable pain. This is a dental issue that needs to be dealt with professionally as soon as possible since not only is it extremely painful, but it can also result in bone and tissue loss.

Sensitive teeth

If you feel a sharp tooth pain during or after eating or drinking something cold or hot, the pain is usually connected to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity usually means that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth’s dentin (the layer where the tooth’s nerves are) is exposed. This dental issue can also be caused by a recent teeth whitening procedure. To reduce this level of sensitivity, you can try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. You can also consult your dentist for other possible remedies.

Damaged fillings

Damaged or dislodged dental fillings or sealants which can expose the sensitive part of your tooth to temperatures, food and drinks can create sharp pains. Your dentist can immediately repair or replace the dental filling or sealant so that you can be free of pain quickly.

Dental trauma or fracture

If you injure, fracture, crack or chip a tooth because of a sports injury, accident, or from biting a really hard object, you will feel an intense toothache. If the pain is intolerable, this usually means that the fracture or damage has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are. Recommended treatments for this painful oral issue include dental fillings and dental crowns.

Growing wisdom teeth

When your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt or if they have already crowned, they can cause teeth misalignment and push against the other teeth. This typically places pressure on your jaws and gums which causes the pain. Extracting the wisdom teeth and other orthodontic treatments will provide you relief from the pain.

Sinus infection

Lastly, if you suffer from sinuses, regular nasal congestion and tenderness in your upper jaw can also cause toothaches. Your dentist and medical practitioner will have to work together to find the most suitable remedy for this problem.

Even if the pain you are feeling is bearable and often comes and goes, it is best to consult your dentist immediately. There may be some underlying and more severe dental issues behind the pain and your dentist is the best person to detect and treat them.

8 Fun Facts About Digital Dental X Rays

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8 Fun Facts About the History of Digital Dental X Rays

Growing up, you may have been taught that exposure to any form of radiation is harmful for human beings. In history books and on the news, you have likely seen its horrifying effects on people. Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, but this also depends on the amount you are exposed to. In small doses, radiation has been used in medicine to detect and treat a host of ailments, from hyperthyroidism to cancer.

Radiation can be found in a wide range of medical and dental tools, and X-rays are one of them. Learn more about x-rays and the good side of radiation with these interesting facts about digital dental x rays.

  1. Radiation can be found all us — in the air we breathe as well as on the walls, floors and ceilings made of cement, stone or bricks. It is also emitted by a number of devices including watches, TV sets and computers. Human beings have been exposed to radiation since before they were born. When talking about exposure, the amount of radiation should also be considered.
  2. People are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. Even the amount of radiation you are exposed to when going about your day is several times higher than what you would get during a typical x-ray session. To put it into perspective, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to on a daily basis is the equivalent of taking 950 digital x-rays.
  3. Using natural gas to cook food produces more radiation than making a dental x-ray.
  4. X-rays have been around for more than a century. They were first discovered in 1895, the same year the first dental x-ray images were produced.
  5. Machines have evolved over the years. Today’s machines are smaller, faster, more efficient and safer to use. Newer sensor-based machines use about a tenth the amount of radiation that the traditional film-based machines did.
  6. X-ray images show what your teeth, bone and supporting tissues look like on the inside. Dentists use them to find cavities, look at the roots of each tooth, and see if you have any oral health issues.
  7. Radiation safety measures emphasize the importance of using ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable levels when taking dental x-rays.
  8. Because images are now in digital form, it has become easier for medical and dental personnel to share images and collaborate on what treatment to use.

You can learn more about radiation and its benefits from your Sterling Heights dentist.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

5 Important Considerations When Choosing A Sterling Heights Family Dentist

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Family dentists practice general dentistry. They offer a wide range of services for all ages like hygiene instruction, tooth cleanings, fillings, and tooth restoration.

When choosing a Sterling Heights family dentist, it is crucial to find one that has adequate training and experience to meet all the varying needs of the whole family. With a good dentist, each trip to the dental office can be a fun, positive experience. And this translates to well-informed parents and children who are driven to care for their teeth and mouth.

What to Look for in a Good Family Dentist

1. Training

One of the crucial qualifications to look for in a family dentist is the level of education and training. Although all dentists went to school to be licensed, there are programs and continuing education classes for additional training in specific techniques. Check if the family dentist is committed to being constantly updated on the latest advancements and innovations in dental care. Most importantly, ask if he is a member of reputable professional dental organizations.

2. Experience

A dependable dentist has accumulated years of experience in doing various types of dental procedures, guaranteeing the best results for his patients. Ask which procedures are often done on patients in that dental office. Opt for a dentist that is knowledgeable and skilled in performing the services you and your family needs.

3. Good Ambiance

Visit the dental office prior to finally deciding which family dentist to work with. Dental offices offer a different atmosphere. The whole family must feel at ease and comfortable whenever you come for dental checkups or treatments. The dental staff must work well with children. And most importantly, they must be capable of explaining dental health concerns and procedures in simpler terms.

4. Services

Apart from offering the general dental services, a good dentist offers additional services like restorative dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry.

5. Dental Insurance

When selecting a family dentist, make sure that he can cooperate with your dental insurance. This is usually a deal-breaker for most families since budget is a crucial factor. Opting for a dental office that honors your family’s insurance policy will help you save on dental bills.

Apart from experience, rapport, and knowledge, you must also look for a dental office that’s practical. As much as possible, choose one that is close to your home. Also, inquire about financing options, most especially for the services that are not covered by your insurance.

It is not easy to find a new dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. You would not want to work with someone you are not comfortable with, so look for the above-mentioned criteria and take your time in making a final decision.

What to Expect After Braces

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A dentist will take an hour or two to properly put on or install your new braces. At that time, you may have felt like you had your mouth open for an eternity and you probably felt uncomfortable the whole time.

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning. After all, wearing metal braces isn’t one of the most pleasing experiences you will have in your lifetime. But if you want to have a straighter and healthier set of teeth as well as a more beautiful smile, you will have to grin and bear it.

If you will be having your braces fitted soon, a Sterling Heights dentist shares an overview below of what to expect after braces:

  • Once your braces are set, your teeth will begin to move. Because of this, your bite will start feeling different. You might also get bite bumps due to the little braces or bonding buttons on the inside or on the biting surfaces of some teeth where your lower braces are. They help prevent you from biting hard against your braces and it may take you three to five days to adjust to them.
  • Since the braces apply a gentle, even pressure on the teeth, you will feel some discomfort and a dull aching sensation. After getting your braces, it is best to eat soft foods at first and take over-the-counter painkillers if you feel some pain. Mashed potatoes, Jell-O, soup, oatmeal, and smoothies should comprise your main diet for the first several days.
  • Your new braces can rub sore spots on the inside of the mouth. However, the skin will toughen up after a little while, but until then, you can ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontic wax that you can apply which will keep the rough brackets from poking your skin.
  • Once you stop feeling some discomfort, you can resume eating most of the foods you normally enjoy. However, with your braces on, you may want to change your eating habits. This is because the shape of your braces will prevent you from biting down firmly on hard or crunchy foods. You will also have to start tearing or cutting your food into smaller pieces so they will fit more easily into your mouth. In addition, you’ll have to start avoiding sticky, gooey foods such as gum, caramel and taffy because it will be very hard to remove them from the brackets.
  • Lastly, continue practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice every day, or if possible, after every meal to quickly remove bits of food that get trapped in your mouth and braces. If you don’t get rid of these bits, you might end up with little white spots (called decalcification) where the brackets used to be once they are removed. Floss properly using the right type of floss and technique daily as well.

It may take you a week or two to get used to the feeling of having braces in your mouth. However, after that, it should not feel too uncomfortable or unpleasant all the time. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist if you still feel some pain or discomfort days after your braces have been fitted.  Contact us today!

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

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