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Once we have restored
your teeth with amalgam materials, these restorations will serve you well
for several years. Amalgam fillings can withstand very high chewing loads,
they are particularly useful for restoring molars in the back of the mouth
where chewing load is greatest. They are also useful in areas where a
cavity is difficult to keep dry. However, you should be aware of the
following information about your new restorations.
As with natural teeth,
avoid chewing excessively hard foods on the filled teeth (hard candy, ice,
raw carrots, etc.) because the amalgam material can break under extreme
forces.
Amalgam fillings do not
harden right away. Be careful during the first 24 hours after the filling
is placed to allow the restoration to harden. As with any dental treatment
children should be observed until the anesthetic wears off. Due to the
strange feeling of the anesthetic, many children will chew the inside of
their lips, cheeks, or tongue which can cause serious damage.
Sensitivity to hot and
cold is common for a few weeks following a dental restoration. Usually, the
deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth will be. If you feel the
bite is not correctly balanced (i.e. high bite), please call for an
appointment for a simple adjustment.
Gum tissue could have been
irritated during the procedure and may be sore for a few days together with
the anesthetic injection site.
The finished restoration
may be contoured slightly different and have a different texture than the
original tooth. Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference, but
you will become accustomed to this in a few days.
If you grind your teeth,
mention it to us so that the need for protective device can be considered to
protect your fillings and teeth.
Brush 2 to 3 times a day,
especially before going to bed and floss once a day.
Visit us twice a year
to keep your mouth in great condition.
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