Are you one of the many patients in Allouez, Green Bay, or Appleton who recently received a dental filling? Understanding how to properly care for your new dental work helps it last longer and protects your oral health. At Fox View Dental in De Pere, WI, our dentists provide comprehensive guidance on dental filling aftercare to help your restorations stay strong for years to come.
Dental fillings repair cavities and restore your tooth’s function and appearance. With proper care, fillings can last five to 15 years depending on the material used. This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your dental fillings and preserving your smile’s health.
Ready to learn more about dental filling care or need to schedule a check-up? Contact our De Pere dental office at (920) 336-4201 today to speak with our friendly team.
The Importance of Proper Care After the Dental Filling Procedure
Dental fillings are an investment in your oral health. When you take care of them properly, you:
Extend the lifespan of your filling
Prevent further decay around the filling edges
Avoid costly replacements or more extensive dental work
Maintain overall oral health
Prevent sensitivity and discomfort
Without proper care, fillings can deteriorate, allowing bacteria to enter and cause new decay. This could lead to deeper cavities, infections, or even tooth loss. Following the care guidelines from your De Pere dentist helps protect both your filling and your natural tooth structure.
Fox View Dental’s Signature Care Approach
Digital Precision Filling Technology
At Fox View Dental in De Pere, we use advanced digital dental technology to enhance the precision of our dental fillings. Our digital scanning equipment allows us to create detailed images of the cavity, helping us place fillings with greater accuracy and minimal removal of healthy tooth structure.
This technology-forward approach means your fillings fit better, last longer, and feel more natural in your mouth. It’s part of our commitment to providing modern dental care to patients throughout De Pere, Green Bay, and Appleton.
Same-Day Emergency Filling Services
We understand that dental pain doesn’t follow a schedule. That’s why Fox View Dental offers same-day emergency dental appointments for patients suffering from painful cavities or lost fillings. Our flexible scheduling accommodates urgent dental needs, helping you get relief quickly.
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or have lost a filling, call us right away at (920) 336-4201. Our team will work to see you as soon as possible, often on the same day.
Essential Daily Care for Your Dental Fillings
Maintain Thorough Oral Hygiene
After receiving a dental filling, consistent oral hygiene becomes even more important. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Clean all surfaces of your teeth, paying special attention to the areas around your fillings. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and around filling edges where decay often starts.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning around dental fillings. Hard bristles can wear down filling materials over time, especially composite (tooth-colored) fillings. Consider an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors to help prevent applying too much force while brushing.
Use Gentle Brushing Technique
Brush gently but thoroughly around your fillings. Aggressive brushing can damage the edges of fillings or wear them down prematurely. Use small, circular motions rather than sawing back-and-forth movements for the most effective and gentle cleaning.
Rinse After Eating
When you can’t brush after meals, rinse your mouth with water. This simple step helps wash away food particles and acids that could damage your fillings or lead to new decay around them.
Diet Considerations for Filling Longevity
Watch What You Eat
Certain foods can impact the lifespan of your dental fillings. Consider these dietary guidelines:
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay around fillings.
Reduce acidic beverages: Sodas, sports drinks, and citrus juices can erode tooth enamel and certain filling materials.
Be careful with hard foods: Nuts, hard candies, and ice can crack or chip fillings if you bite down too hard.
Avoid extremely sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, and similar sticky treats can potentially pull at fillings.
Chew Carefully
Be mindful when chewing, especially with new fillings. Try to distribute chewing pressure evenly across all teeth rather than focusing on one area. If you have multiple fillings on one side, consider alternating sides when chewing to reduce stress on any single filling.
Want personalized advice for your dental fillings? Call Fox View Dental at (920) 336-4201 to schedule a consultation with our De Pere dental team.
Protecting Your Fillings During Physical Activities
If you play sports or engage in high-impact physical activities, your dental fillings need extra protection. Consider these tips:
Wear a mouthguard: Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist provide the best protection for teeth with fillings.
Avoid using teeth as tools: Never open packages or bottles with your teeth, as this puts extreme pressure on fillings.
Address teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a nightguard to prevent excessive wear on fillings.
Warning Signs That Your Filling Needs Attention
Even with excellent care, dental fillings don’t last forever. Watch for these signs that your filling may need repair or replacement:
Sensitivity that persists weeks after getting the filling
Sharp pain when biting down
Visible cracks, chips, or wear on the filling
A rough edge you can feel with your tongue
Food frequently getting stuck around the filling
Dark lines forming around the edges of the filling
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your De Pere dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems and extend the life of your tooth.
Professional Care for Your Dental Fillings in De Pere
Regular Dental Check-ups
Schedule dental check-ups every six months. During these visits, your Fox View Dental dentist will:
Examine all fillings for signs of wear or damage
Check for decay around filling margins
Polish fillings to remove surface stains
Take X-rays when needed to detect hidden problems
Provide professional cleaning to remove tartar that can’t be cleaned at home
Professional Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup around fillings that at-home brushing can’t reach. This helps prevent new decay from forming around filling edges, where most filling failures begin.
Taking Care of Fillings for Patients with Special Considerations
For Patients with Multiple Fillings
If you have several fillings, rotating your brushing pattern helps ensure you clean all surfaces thoroughly. Start in a different area of your mouth each time you brush to avoid repeatedly missing the same spots.
For Patients with Dry Mouth
Dry mouth significantly increases cavity risk around fillings. If medications or health conditions cause dry mouth:
Drink water frequently throughout the day
Use dry mouth rinses, sprays, or lozenges
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that can worsen dryness
Consider prescription fluoride toothpaste for extra protection
For Patients Who Grind Their Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) puts excessive pressure on fillings and can cause them to crack or break. Signs of grinding include:
Morning headaches or jaw pain
Worn or flattened teeth
Chipped or cracked fillings
A custom nightguard or TMJ treatment from Fox View Dental can protect your fillings and natural teeth from grinding damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some sensitivity after receiving a dental filling is normal and typically subsides within a few days to a few weeks. You may notice temperature sensitivity, pressure sensitivity while chewing, or a slight ache, particularly with deeper fillings. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoiding very hot or cold foods can help manage discomfort. If sensitivity persists beyond two to four weeks or is severe, contact your dentist as the filling may need adjustment.
Teeth whitening treatments do not change the color of dental fillings, which means fillings may become more noticeable after whitening surrounding natural teeth. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are especially susceptible to staining from coffee, tea, and tobacco over time. If you’re planning to whiten your teeth, discuss this with your dentist first, as they might recommend whitening before placing new fillings or replacing old ones to better match your desired shade.
Dental fillings need replacement when they wear down, crack, chip, or develop gaps around the edges where new decay can form. No filling material lasts forever, as daily chewing forces, temperature changes, and acids in foods gradually break down the filling. The seal between the filling and tooth can also deteriorate over time, allowing bacteria to enter and cause new decay beneath the filling. Regular dental check-ups help identify failing fillings before they cause damage.
Different filling materials do require slightly different care approaches for optimal longevity. Amalgam (silver) fillings are very durable but can fracture under extreme pressure, so avoid chewing ice or hard candies. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are more susceptible to staining and wear, so limiting coffee, tea, and red wine helps maintain their appearance. Glass ionomer fillings, often used for children or root surfaces, release fluoride but are less durable, requiring more careful brushing and avoidance of hard foods.
Protecting Your Investment in Oral Health
Your dental fillings represent an investment in your oral health and quality of life. By following proper care techniques, maintaining regular dental visits, and watching for warning signs, you can help your fillings last as long as possible.
At Fox View Dental, we’re committed to helping patients from Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, and Allouez maintain healthy smiles for life. Our team provides personalized guidance for each patient’s specific needs, ensuring you have all the information needed to care for your dental work properly.
If you have concerns about your fillings, call Fox View Dental for same-day dental filling care in De Pere at (920) 336-4201 today. Our friendly team is ready to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Chad Yenchesky
Dr. Chad is no ordinary dentist.
He’s an extraordinary dentist!
As the owner of Fox View Dental, Dr. Chad Yenchesky—or Dr. Chad, as he is more commonly known—brings the best in digital dentistry to Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin.
Known for his passionate pursuit of implant, restorative, cosmetic and sedation dentistry, loved for his fun and colorful personality, and respected for his active leadership in the national dental continuing education community, Dr. Chad brings a refreshing blend of knowledge and charisma to the chair. Patients especially appreciate his down-to-earth demeanor, relentless …
Even with excellent care, dental fillings don’t last forever. Watch for these signs that your filling may need repair or replacement:
Teeth grinding (bruxism) puts excessive pressure on fillings and can cause them to crack or break. Signs of grinding include:
