You may have heard that you should avoid chewing in the area of a dental filling for at least 24 hours after having a cavity repaired. Show However, after filling a cavity, your dentist will have specific instructions for you to follow regarding when and what to eat. Certain types of fillings may affect your wait time. We share some recommended tips for eating following a tooth filling. Your wait time may be different based on the type of filling you get.
Along with waiting for your filling to properly set, other things that can affect eating post-filling include: Local anestheticYour dentist will most likely administer a local anesthetic to reduce pain during the filling procedure. Eating before this numbing agent has worn off may cause you to accidentally bite your tongue, cheeks, or lips. Numbing typically wears off in 1 to 3 hours. Postoperative discomfortIt’s not unusual to have some discomfort after having your tooth filled, which may affect your appetite or desire to eat. Your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to make you more comfortable. Gum tissue discomfortDuring your procedure, the gum tissue near the tooth being filled may become irritated, resulting in soreness. This may affect your comfort level in chewing on that side of your mouth for a few days. You can rinse with warm salt water to help your gums feel better (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water). Heightened sensitivityTeeth may be sensitive to heat and cold for a few days to a week or two after getting a dental filling. Your dentist will likely suggest that you avoid very hot or cold food and beverages. If the sensitivity doesn’t go away in a few weeks, talk to your dentist. Different biteSometimes your bite may feel different after a filling, as if your teeth don’t come together like usual. If you don’t get used to the new bite in a few days and your bite still feels uneven, call your dentist. They can adjust the filling so your teeth bite together normally again. Most people experience some level of tenderness after their dentist has filled one of their teeth. Here are some practical tips you can follow to minimize discomfort:
You can eat after a filling, but the type of filling often determines when you can eat. You’ll have to wait longer with an amalgam filling (silver) than with a composite filling (white/tooth-colored). It may take 24 hours for your amalgam filling to completely set. After you’ve had a tooth filled, your dentist will give you instructions about:
How long after tooth filling can I eat?A composite filling hardens immediately once a dentist puts a blue UV light on your tooth. You can usually eat as soon as you leave your dentist's office. However, your dentist may recommend waiting for at least 2 hours before chewing on the filling if you're still numb.
What can I eat after a tooth filling?Foods that are okay to eat after a filling include mashed potatoes, yogurt, cheese, soups, pasta, and chili. Smoothies are also a good choice if you are experiencing a little soreness.
Can I eat and drink after a filling?You can eat or drink right after the procedure. A composite filling hardens immediately under UV light. Still, your dentist might recommend that you wait at least two hours before eating because your cheeks and gums might be a little numb from the anesthetic.
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