Dental Inlay Procedure Aftercare

A dental inlay procedure is relatively simple and pain-free, however, there are some things that a patient should adhere to in order to have the best possible outcome from their procedure. Dental inlay procedures are done in order to restore certain areas of the tooth that may have been damaged due to decay or erosion. Inlays are often suggested when the damage is too severe for a filling, but not severe enough for a dental crown.

Knowing how to care for the dental inlay and surrounding area after the procedure is complete can be beneficial to a person who is expecting to have the procedure done or to someone who has just arrived home from their procedure.

Today, we will go over the best ways to care for the dental inlay (and the surrounding areas) once the procedure is complete.

Aftercare tips

Avoid extreme temperatures and certain foods

Immediately after the dental inlay procedure is over, a patient must avoid foods that may have extreme temperatures - such as hot coffee or cold ice cream. The extremeness of the temperature of certain foods or drinks may cause an immense amount of pain to the dental inlay and tooth that it lies on. This is because the area is still quite sensitive, tooth sensitivity right after a dental procedure is very common and should subside within 48 hours.

It’s also advised that a person avoids foods that are of a hard, chewy or sticky substance. Gums and candies are to be avoided to ensure that the inlay doesn’t come out. Avoiding these foods will take away the risk of having a painful or dislodged dental inlay.

Good oral hygiene

While it might be obvious, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine after the dental inlay procedure is extremely necessary in order for the inlays to heal properly. Many patients may feel obligated to avoid regular brushing and flossing because they are worried about pain or discomfort. However, once the swelling subsides, the patient should return to normal habits of brushing and flossing regularly. Doing so will ensure that the dental inlay recovers properly and that bacteria isn’t building up from the wound.

Another important part of maintaining good oral hygiene is to still visit the dentist regularly. Just because a person receives a dental inlay, does not mean that their dental health is no longer something to be concerned about. Visiting the dentist regularly is a vital step in ensuring that the teeth stay healthy and don’t form any more decay in the future. A dentist will be able to catch any warning signs of decay or damage to the teeth. If an inlay ever needs to be replaced, a dentist will also be able to see it much sooner than a person could with their normal eye.

Questions?

If you still have questions about dental inlay aftercare then give us call today. We can schedule an appointment or help you over the phone! Knowing how to properly care for your dental inlays after the procedure is complete will ensure that you heal correctly! Give us a call today, we’re happy to help in any way that we can.

Request an appointment here: https://fortleefamilydental.com or call Fort Lee Family Dental at (201) 620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.