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Thanks to our fantastic training and technology, when you see your dentist in Sparks for a dental filling, you most likely won’t experience any pain or discomfort. However, all patients, their mouths, and pain tolerance levels are different, so what you experience or how you’re feeling post-filling might be different than someone else.

Let’s Talk Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever had a cold or hot beverage that made your teeth feel funny? This is something we call tooth sensitivity, and it’s actually a normal side effect after you’ve completed dental work like cavity fillings, tooth extractions, or dental implants. Why does tooth sensitivity lead to dental pain? It’s due to nerve inflammation inside your tooth or teeth. If you have pain or tooth sensitivity that persists for weeks or even months after you’ve seen your Sparks dentist, you’ll want to schedule an appointment to have them take a look at your teeth to see if something needs further attention.

It’s All About Pressure

When unwanted discomfort occurs after a filling or any dental treatment, you’re probably wondering why. It turns out the answer to this question is simple — it’s pressure. After your filling is permanently in place, the piece of your tooth that was damaged by bacteria is now filled in, adding new pressure to the area. This can change how air and saliva move across your tooth, causing sensitivity.

What You Can Do to Feel Better

You can take some steps at home to help you feel better if you have dental discomfort or pain post-procedure. Try taking some Advil, Ibuprofen, or Aleve. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage directions and instructions. Applying a cold compress on your cheek or jaw to minimize pain. Are you also wondering how to manage sensitivity in your teeth due to cracks and damages to a filling? Maintaining optimal dental health should still be your top priority, and you want to:

• Use a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth
• Brush and floss regularly every day
• Gargle using warm, salty water

The right thing to do if you’re experiencing any pain, discomfort, or sensitivity is to schedule a visit right away at our Sparks dental office. We can help you feel better and determine what’s causing your issues so we can get to the root of the pain. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office today and chat with us. We’re always here to help and look forward to hearing from you!

Your dentist in Sparks is the perfect person to help you combat sugar this holiday season, as it tends to show up everywhere in the form of ooey, gooey treats. While we know it’s unrealistic to think you won’t have a hint of sugar during your holiday fun, there are ways you can keep track of how much you’re eating and take steps to make it more of a moderated approach to sweets. While candy canes, pies, and cookies are all staples this time of year, the sugar they leave behind can cause bad bacteria to produce decay due to excess acid. Let’s not let cavities stand a chance and ruin your new year. 

Here’s how:

• Don’t Rush the Brush – Remember to floss once and brush twice a day for two minutes, no matter how hectic your holiday season might be. Take your time to keep your teeth clean and free from food debris, especially after you’ve eaten dessert or foods with high sugar content.
• Sugar-Free for You and Me – Do you put out a candy bowl or two this time of year? Try swapping your current candies with something containing Xylitol or a reduced-sugar option to satisfy your sweet tooth. You, your party guest, and your smile will all benefit.
• Make Sure to Not Miss Meals – Did you know that the key to keeping blood sugar balanced is eating foods rich in proteins and healthy fats? Your Sparks dentist can tell you that missing meals is not good, even if you’re traveling for the holidays this year. This causes your blood sugar to drop dramatically.
• Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile – We know you might get a few eye rolls for this gift idea, but why not give your family members some new dental tools? A new toothbrush or toothpaste is undoubtedly a gift that will get used, whether they want to admit it or not!

There’s just one more thing you can do to help prevent sugar damage to your teeth, and that’s come to see us for a thorough cleaning and oral exam at our dental office in Sparks. If you need to schedule after the busy holidays, we understand. Start the new year off with a smile that’s fresh, clean, and confident. Schedule a consultation or cleaning today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you again!