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Tooth Fillings and Sealants
How do dental fillings for cavities work?
What types of fillings are there?
Is tooth sensitivity after a filling normal?
When you get a filling, the area around the infected tooth is numbed. You shouldn’t feel anything for an hour or two after your appointment but once the numbing wears off it’s normal to feel pain in your teeth and gums.
It’s common to experience pain when drinking or eating anything hot or cold. It is also not uncommon to feel pain or greater than usual sensitivity when you brush or floss near the infected tooth.
Minimize Tooth Sensitivity
You can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and gums by:
- Taking an anti-inflammatory drug that contains ibupofren
- Rinse your mouth with 1/2 to 3/4 tsp of salt mixed with warm water. This can reduce inflamation
- Temporarily avoiding hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks.
- Brush and floss gently
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive
How long do dental sealants last?
Who is a good candidate for dental sealants?
Sealants are designed for healthy teeth that have yet to develop cavities. Typically they’re placed on permanent molars shortly after they come in around the ages of 6 and 12. However, adults can choose to get sealants too.
Investing in affordable dental sealants can help prevent the need for more intensive (and expensive) preventative and restorative dental care in the future.