So you’ve finally taken the next step and gotten that dental restoration you’ve been dreaming of. After years of cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth, you have a beautiful smile that looks like its brand new. Now you want to make sure it stays that way. Learning how to properly care for your dental restoration is an important step in making sure it can last you a lifetime, and that it continues to look as good as the day it was put in. Thankfully taking care of your dental restoration isn’t difficult, and you’re likely to find the steps familiar.

Caring For Your Dental Restoration In The Days After The Procedure

This is the most critical period for making sure that everything turned out well. After the procedure, you’ll want to be gentle with your restoration. Certain kinds of restorations may leave your gums feeling delicate or aggravated, so brush gently and keep an eye out for any issues. When you chew, make sure that everything feels well-fitted, and that there aren’t any irregularities in your restoration that impact its comfort and usability. If you feel any looseness, see any discoloration, or any structural issues like cracks or chips, contact your dentist immediately.

Proper Oral Hygiene Is Your Best Friend In Protecting Restorations

This probably goes without saying, but you should maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Brushing at the beginning and end of your day with a soft-to-medium stiffness bristle toothbrush, using mouthwash, and flossing every day. Taking these steps will go far in protecting your restoration from becoming discolored, but it will also protect your remaining natural teeth from developing cavities. Additionally, you’ll find that your gums will be healthier, less inflamed, and less prone to bleeding. Make sure you avoid hard-bristle toothbrushes, even before you get a restoration. Hard-bristle toothbrushes can be damaging to your gums and natural teeth and can do the same to your restoration.

Additional Steps To Defend Your New Restoration

If you’re looking to go the extra distance to protect your restorations, there are additional steps you can take. While these aren’t strictly necessary in most cases, they can still ensure that your restoration, and your natural teeth, are protected against mishaps and certain conditions. These extra steps include:

• Night Guards – Night guards are especially helpful for patients who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can damage restorations due to the stress they put on them.
• Sports Guard – These are exceptionally helpful for the active patient who engages in sports or other activities where they may experience jolts to the jaw. They’re also useful for those who experience waking bruxism, instead of just at night.
• Avoid Staining Foods – Your restoration isn’t immune to the staining action of dark-colored foods like cola, wine, or berries. Ensuring they don’t become stained means you either need to avoid these foods or be certain to brush immediately after consuming them.

If you have more questions about caring for your dental restorations, give Dr. Alireza Movassaghi a call at the Alameda Dental Group in Alameda, CA today!