When can you eat after a filling? Here’s a brief description of dental fillings and foods you should and should not consume after the procedure.
About Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to repair cavities or tiny holes in the enamel, the hard outer surface of a tooth. Your dentist will remove the decaying portion of the tooth and seal the space with a material to prevent bacteria from reaching the pulp, the soft inner portion of the tooth that house the nerves and blood vessels. Getting fillings is a very common and relatively quick procedure. visit this site for the best choices regarding your filling options and to receive the most excellent oral care services.
How Long After a Filling Can You Eat?
You can expect to go home after a brief visit, but anesthetics applied to the surrounding gum tissue could leave you numb for some time. After getting any type of tooth filling, your mouth will likely numb for several hours. Your dentist may ask you to wait a few hours before you eat because of the swelling and soreness. It is a good idea to avoid eating until the local anesthetic has worn off. Also, the numbness could make it difficult for you to chew properly.
Figuring out what to eat and how long to wait after leaving the office is a usual concern. Be sure to follow any instructions given by a dental professional about when and what you can eat after a filling. That will help you heal quickly and protect your mouth from further harm.
Typically, the wait time depends on the kind of filling used. The two most popular types of dental fillings are metal amalgam and composite resin. Dental amalgam, called “silver-filling” because of its color, is a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. It takes about 24 hours to harden and reach its maximum strength completely. It is recommended to hold off a full day before attempting to chew on the side of your mouth where the filling is located.
A composite resin filling is made up of quartz or a glass filler and is usually off-white or tooth-colored. The dentist can customize it so it matches your adjacent matching teeth. A composite filling is then placed in your tooth in several layers, gradually, until the hole is filled. The dentist may or may not use ultraviolet light to cure and stabilize each layer quickly by a process known as “photo-polymerization.” Once the numbness and discomfort of the procedure have passed, you can eat almost immediately and not worry about marring the material.
What Can You Eat After a Filling
Since your gum tissues and teeth might be sensitive after a cavity filling, some foods should be avoided. Until your mouth has fully recovered, keep away from sticky or crunchy foods that can worsen or trigger any irritation, like candy, nuts, popcorn, or granola. Also, remember that hard food can possibly damage or dislodge fillings. Likewise, do not consume tough or chewy meats. Steer clear from foods that are highly acidic and can make the mouth more prone to infection. Pass on hot or cold food and drinks immediately after the procedure. Not only to shield from hypersensitivity, but extreme temperatures can cause subsequent contraction or expansion of the tooth or restoration.
Apart from the foods to avoid, there are many delightful alternatives you can reach for. It is generally a good idea to take on a room-temperature, soft diet for the next 24–48 hours. After getting a cavity filling, avert applying excessive and unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth, or at least until you feel comfortable enough to return to your regular course.
There are a variety of delicate foods you can eat after a cavity filling, and they should not require any or much chewing, like scrambled eggs, porridge, or soups. Try eating healthy well-cooked vegetables and soft fruits like mashed banana or apple sauce. Thick protein shakes and vitamin-rich smoothies made from fresh produce blended with milk, ice cream, or yogurt can satisfy the appetite while providing nutrition and encouraging a speedy healing process. Dairy products like supple cheeses are easy to bite and swallow, and the extra calcium supports oral recovery.
Tips for Care Following a Dental Filling
- Dental fillings are designed to last for a long time but are vulnerable to wear. Improve their longevity by practicing excellent post-op filling care.
- Pay attention to lingering pain. It is normal to feel some tenderness and mild aching after getting a filling, but if it perseveres for longer than a week, please contact your dentist. For temporary relief of enduring pain, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like Ibuprofen and Tylenol, for the first couple of days following your procedure.
- If sensitivity is a persistent issue lasting longer than two weeks, contact your dentist. Seek a desensitizing toothpaste or gel that contains compounds that guard nerve endings against irritants and block pain signals traveling to the brain.
- Make sure your bite is even after the filling settles. If the new tooth feels more elevated than the rest, contact your dentist for an adjustment.
- Bite and chew carefully. Practice not biting all the way through your food and not chewing only on the same side of the new filling. Take your time and eat slowly to avoid biting down on your lips, tongue, and cheeks.
- Keep your mouth shut. If the area is sensitive to heat and cold, especially during extreme weather, try to keep your mouth closed when eating and, in general, to prevent excess air from entering the mouth.
- Be curious. If the thought of having difficulty eating is bothersome, remember that there are a variety of delicious foods you can still consume. That is the perfect time to try new foods that you are not accustomed to but remain gentle on the teeth.
- After receiving a filling, resume high care for your teeth and gums. Continue brushing and flossing as normal. However, take care not to use excessive force. Use a soft-bristled brush. Make regular trips to your local dental professionals to address any problems and ensure your teeth and gums remain in excellent condition.
