Many people wonder how to eat after a filling. Can I eat immediately after a filling? What should I eat after a filling? Yes, you can eat after the anesthetic wears off after a dental filling. However, this timeframe will vary depending on the type of filling.
In this article, we will provide detailed information about when you can eat after a tooth filling, what you should eat, and care after the procedure, depending on the type of dental filling.
What is a Dental Filling?
Teeth fillings are a common dental procedure aimed at restoring the function and integrity of a tooth that has been compromised by decay.
Each type of filling material has its own set of advantages. Composite resins, for example, are popular for their natural tooth-like appearance, making them ideal for fillings in visible areas.
Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, are known for their durability and are often used in molars where chewing forces are the greatest.
Gold and porcelain fillings are also effective but are typically more expensive and may require multiple visits to the dentist.
Dental filling types also affect the time it takes to eat after the procedure. There are waiting periods for eating and drinking normally, depending on the filling material.
Can You Eat After A Dental Filling? Immediate Post-Filling
One of the most common questions after getting a dental filling is whether you can eat immediately. The timing largely depends on the type of filling material used.
Composite dental filling harden immediately under a special light, allowing you to eat immediately after the procedure. You can also eat immediately after the anesthesia wears off with porcelain fillings.
However, if your dentist used an amalgam filling, it’s best to wait a few hours. Because amalgam takes time to fully harden, it’s best to eat immediately.
What Happens If You Eat After A Cavitiy Filling?
Eating too soon can compromise the durability of the filling. This is especially true for amalgam filling, as amalgam fillings take several hours to harden. However, the same is not true for composite and porcelain fillings.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you can begin eating and drinking, paying careful attention to the filling area after the porcelain and composite fillings have been placed.
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How Long After a Dental Filling Can You Eat?
Timing your meals after a dental filling is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. It is generally recommended to wait at least one to two hours before eating anything.
This waiting period allows the filling material to set properly and reduces the risk of dislodging or damaging the filling. It also gives your mouth some time to recover from the numbness caused by the local anesthesia.
However, the waiting period varies depending on the type of dental filling.
When Can You Eat Based on the Type of Dental Filling?
- Composite Filling (White Filling): You can eat after the numbness has weared off (about 2 hours).
- Amalgam Filling: Wait several hours before eating. It’s wise to wait at least 24 hours before eating anything hard or crunchy.
- Porcelain & Gold Fillings: Once the procedure is completed and the anesthesia wears off, you can eat. (about 2 hours)
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What Can You Eat After A Dental Filling?
Choosing the right foods after a dental filling can make a big difference in comfort and healing. Soft foods, in particular, are ideal because they require minimal chewing and reduce the risk of damaging your new filling.
Recommended Foods and Drinks After a Filling
Immediately following the procedure, soft and mild foods are ideal. These foods are easy to consume and don’t require much chewing.
Some recommended food options after tooth filling
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Cooked pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft bread without crusts
Some recommended drink options after tooth filling
- Water: Drinking plenty of water can also help reduce any swelling or inflammation that may occur after the procedure.
- Milk: Milk provides calcium, which is beneficial for your teeth and bones, and it is gentle on your sensitive teeth.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas can offer anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce any swelling and discomfort.
However, these drinks shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. Room temperature is ideal for these drinks.
What Can You Not Eat After A Cavity Filling?
Knowing what foods to avoid after a dental filling is as important as knowing what to eat.
Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and raw vegetables can put undue pressure on the new filling and surrounding tooth tissue.
Sticky and chewy foods are also problematic after a filling. Because items like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum can stick to the filling material, potentially dislodging it or causing it to become misaligned.
Additionally, it’s wise to avoid foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold in the initial days following your procedure.
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Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort After a Filling
Discomfort and sensitivity after dental filling are common after getting a dental filling. Fortunately, they typically subside within a few days. However, you can take steps to manage these sensations effectively.
- Avoid very cold or hot foods immediately
- Use desensitizing toothpaste
- Avoid brushing too vigorously
- Monitor the filling for sharp edges
Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort. Take them as recommended to help reduce any pain. Also, good oral hygiene practices are crucial during this period.
Caring For Your Teeth and Fillings
Taking care of your teeth after a filling doesn’t end once the initial recovery period is over. Long-term oral care is essential to maintain the health of your filled tooth and prevent future dental issues.
Here are some effective oral hygiene tips:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash daily
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid chewing on hard objects
- Drink plenty of water to rinse your mouth
- Avoid excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks
- Avoid overly abrasive toothpaste
- Regularly visit your dentist for check-ups
FAQ'S
You can find information about when and what to eat after a dental filling, and all other details, by reviewing our frequently asked questions.
You can generally eat after getting a dental filling, but the timing depends on the type of filling you received. if you had a composite or porcelain filling, you can eat soon after the procedure (once numbness wears off).
However, with amalgam fillings, wait at least 24 hours for eating normally on your amalgam filling side.
Regardless of the type of filler, you should wait to eat until the local anesthesia wears off, usually about 1-2 hours after the procedure.
This is because being numb can cause you to overexert yourself on the filler area and may not be able to properly sense hot or cold foods, putting you at risk of damaging the filler.
However, this generally for porcelain and composite fillings. For amalgam fillings, it’s best not to eat with the side of your tooth that has the filling for the first 24 hours.
Soft foods like soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, porridge, and smoothies are the best soft foods for the first few hours and days after getting a filling.
Sensitivity may occur after dental fillings, and this is normal for a few days. To reduce and manage this, you can use toothpastes for sensitive teeth after new dental fillings. These brands are generally:
- Sensodyne Pronamel
- Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief
- Crest Gum and Sensitivity
- Biotene Flouride Toothpaste
- Tom’s of Maine Rapid Relief Sensitive
In addition to these brands, you can find other brands in our article on toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
You should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods after a dental filling. Additionally, you should also avoid very hot and cold foods and drinks for the first few days after a dental filling.
Drinking hot beverages after a dental filling is not recommended because it can cause tooth sensitivity. However, you can try consuming hot beverages for a few days after the filling.
After a dental filling, gently brush and floss your teeth as usual but avoid hard or sticky foods and very hot or cold drinks for a few days. Use a soft toothbrush and sensitivity toothpaste if needed.
Brush and floss your teeth twice a day daily and regularly. Additionally, you can use regular mouthwash daily.
There are several recommended snacks and foods that are safe and even beneficial to eat after getting dental fillings, especially during the initial recovery period. These are:
- Soups
- Yogurt
- Scrambled Eggs
- Soft Pasta
- Mashed Potatoes and vegetables
- Applesauce, pudding, custard, and jello
- Oatmeal and rice
- Soft bread and biscuits
You generally can eat after a composite filling once the numbness wears off, but it’s best to avoid chocolate or sweets immediately after the procedure. especially sticky or chewy types and wait at least a couple of hours. For amalgam fillings, wait longer and avoid sweets for about 24 hours.
It is generally recommended to avoid chewing gum immediately after a dental filling.
This is because chewing gum can create negatively pressure on the newly restored tooth and, particularly in the case of composite (white) fillings, can cause the filling to shift or become damaged.
In the case of amalgam (silver) fillings, it is better to wait about 24 hours.
Hard, crunchy and crispy foods such as raw carrots, apples, nuts, popcorn, crackers, and chips should be avoided after getting a filling. These foods can put too much pressure on the newly filled tooth and may damage or dislodge the filling.
