Amalgam fillings, which are made of silver and other metals, take longer to set than composite fillings, which are made of plastic and glass. In general, you should wait at least 24 hours before eating with an amalgam filling, while composite fillings can usually be eaten on the same day.
It is best to avoid any hard, chewy, or sticky foods after a dental filling for up to two weeks. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity you may also benefit from avoiding hot or cold drinks and foods. There is no need to wait to brush your teeth after a dental filling.
What Foods Are Best to Eat after a Filling? Smooth and soft foods like a smoothie, yogurt, flavored milkshake, tasty pasta, scrambled eggs or a nice soup are all great choices. Soft foods are better than hard, crunchy, or sticky foods right after you get a filling.
Avoid eating hard and sticky items
Foods such as candies, caramels, jerky, tough meats, or hard nuts may damage the newly filled tooth. It is better to eat soft foods, such as eggs, yogurt, pudding, or smoothies for a day or so after the procedure.
The aftercare instructions following a dental filling typically include eating soft foods, avoiding hot and cold foods and drinks, not smoking or using any tobacco products, and ensuring there are no complications that develop. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of any setbacks during recovery.
You can generally eat right after leaving the dentist's office, however, you may have to wait 2+ hours to eat if you are still numb from the numbing agent used.
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.
If you have just had a filling and aren't sure what you can eat, you should eat foods which are soft, rather than hard and/or chewy. Foods such as mashed potatoes, soft cheese, and soft pasta are great, as is soup or smoothies as there is no chewing involved.
Some options for good foods to eat following a tooth filling include soup, scrambled eggs and crackers. Look for food that requires minimal chewing. On the other hand, if there is pain and swelling, wait until it decreases before eating.
Dentists recommend patients who have had tooth filling to wait at least 2 hours before they resume eating anything. Even then, you should avoid very hard or sticky foods. Chewing a pizza requires greater effort by your teeth, especially when you're eating chicken or beef pizza.
Ice cream
That said, ice cream is the perfect dessert to have after dental work. This is because the cold helps to soothe pain and minimize any swelling that might be occurring. Plus, it is soft, so you do not have to chew it at all!
After undergoing a tooth filling treatment, it's best to avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or very hot or cold.
For anyone unaware, dental fillings can be amalgam (metal) or composite (white). Patients usually find that amalgam fillings take around 24 hours to set, whereas white composite fillings are set whilst you're still in the practice.
Eating sticky foods too soon after a filling can dislodge your new filling. This doesn't happen often and is more likely with amalgam fillings than composite fillings. Take your time. By eating slowly, you can avoid biting down too hard and chewing on the side of your mouth where your new filling is located.
People who require multiple fillings often ask how many tooth fillings can be done at once. Technically, there is no limit to the number of filling you can get in one session. However, dentists do not recommend having more than three fillings at a time. Your mouth needs time to heal after the dental fillings procedure.
Can you drink water after getting a filling? You can certainly drink water after getting a filling. Just make sure it's not too hot or too cold as this can lead to severe sensitivity and discomfort. Initially, it's a smart idea to stick to lukewarm beverages and foods.
The lifetime of a dental filling
Dental fillings that are made of metal or gold materials are known to last upwards of 20 years. On the flip side, more modern materials such as porcelain should also last a while, however, typically, not more than 10 years.
It is best to avoid chewing on the filling for at least 24 hours. On the other hand, composite fillings harden immediately when the UV light is applied to your tooth. For this reason, it is often possible to eat as soon as your procedure is complete.
Many people are hesitant to brush and floss after a dental filling procedure, however, it is necessary to do so before the night ends. Although the tooth may be sore, it is still necessary to gently brush and floss. General dentists recommend a very soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid discomfort.
There are procedures such as simple fillings that require a little local anesthetic to the tooth, which typically wears off within a few hours. It does not inhibit speaking or cause drowsiness, so yes, returning to work is fine.
A tooth should not hurt, ache, or cause you discomfort from a new filling for an extended period of time. Any sensitivity from a tooth filling should be expected to go away quickly, at least within two to four weeks. But just because it should not hurt or be sensitive, doesn't mean that it can't sometimes occur.
Here's the short answer: No. Most fillings cause little to no discomfort during any part of the procedure. This is a result of using highly effective numbing agents.
Dairy products. These are usually easy to bite and chew, and have the added benefit of being high in the calcium needed to support oral healing. Cottage cheese, milk, and yoghurt are rich in nutrients and shouldn't interfere with your new tooth-coloured fillings.