As we age, our dental health faces new challenges. Old dental work such as fillings, crowns, or bridges may wear down, making posterior restorations a vital solution for many.
If you are dealing with outdated or failing dental work in the back of your mouth, understanding the importance of posterior restorations and their care can be a game-changer.
Read on to discover how you can extend the life and effectiveness of these essential treatments, ensuring a healthier smile for years to come.
What Are Posterior Restorations?
Posterior restorations refer to any dental work designed to repair or replace teeth at the back of the mouth—namely, molars and premolars.
These restorations are important because they bear the brunt of chewing and are often the first to decay due to their hard-to-reach location.
Common types of posterior restorations include amalgam fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges, made from materials like composite resins, amalgam, or ceramics.
Caring for Your Posterior Restorations
Proper care of posterior restorations not only extends their life but also helps maintain overall dental health.
Here are detailed ways to take care of these dental investments:
1. Maintain Rigorous Oral Hygiene
Brushing and Flossing. Regular brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day is non-negotiable. Pay special attention to the areas around your restorations to prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay around the restored teeth.
Use of Mouthwash. Incorporating an antiseptic mouthwash into your daily routine can help reduce bacteria that brushing and flossing might miss, offering an additional layer of protection for your restorations.
2. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine Visits. Visit our dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your restorations and address any issues before they become severe.
Professional Cleaning. During these visits, make sure our dentist is aware of your restorations to ensure they use careful techniques to avoid damaging them.
3. Be Mindful of Your Diet
Avoid Hard Foods. Hard or sticky foods can dislodge or damage restorations. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other similar foods with your restored teeth.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods. Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods can exacerbate decay and wear down the materials used in your restorations faster.
4. Address Bruxism
Wear a Night Guard. If you grind your teeth at night, consider asking our dentist about a night guard. Grinding can place immense pressure on your restorations, leading to premature wear or failure.
5. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
No Opening Packages. It can be tempting to use your teeth to tear open packages or remove bottle caps, but this can be detrimental to both natural teeth and restorations. Always use the appropriate tools for these tasks.
Caring for your posterior restorations through meticulous hygiene, regular dental visits and mindful habits ensures they last longer and function effectively, contributing to a healthier, more vibrant smile.
At Paula S. Gould DDS in Allendale, NJ, Dr. Paula Gould is committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health and letting your restorations achieve their full potential.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your dental health journey with personalized care and advanced cavity treatment options!