Many people dread visiting the dentist, but it is not as scary as they assume. In fact, they are meant to help your oral health get better. Some dental procedures require aftercare, and you might have heard that you should not eat after a cavity filling. Your dentist will give you some instructions after your procedure. But can you eat after a filling?
Can The Type of Filling You Get Affect the Waiting Time?
Are you wondering if you can eat after a filling? Some factors affect the waiting time. For instance, the type of filling you have may determine how long you should wait to eat after your cavity filling procedure.
- Amalgam or Silver Filling: You will need to wait 24 hours before you can chew from the side of the mouth with the silver filling. This is because amalgam filling reaches its maximum strength and hardens completely in about 24 hours.
- Composite or White Fillings: Your dentist might suggest eating 2 hours after a composite filling if the site is still numb. However, the filling hardens instantly after your tooth receives blue UV light exposure. Thus, you can eat soon after you leave the dental office.
Other Factors That Determine If You Can Eat After Filling
You need to wait for your filling to set before you eat. In addition, factors like using a local anesthetic, discomfort, and sensitivity also play a role in this matter. These include:
1. Local Anesthetic
Your dentist might use a local anesthetic to minimize pain during the procedure, which will number the area. The numbing will take 1 to 3 hours to wear off; therefore, eating before the numbing has worn off might cause you to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue by mistake.
2. Discomfort After the Procedure
You might feel slight discomfort, affecting your appetite. Inform your dentist of any problem, and they might suggest an over-the-counter medication for your pain.
3. Discomfort in Gum Tissue
You might feel discomfort in eating or chewing from the side of the mouth with the filling tooth, as the procedure can cause gum irritation. The gums near the tooth might get sore, and you might have trouble eating comfortably. Rinsing with a solution of 1-cup warm water and half a teaspoon of salt might help.
4. Increased Sensitivity
Your tooth might become sensitive to heat and cold following your dental fillings. Although it will go away in a week or two, your dentist might suggest avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages. Talk to your oral healthcare provider if the sensitivity persists after a few weeks.
5. The Bite Might Be Uneven
Eating after cavity filling might be a bit hard if your bite feels different. You might require some time getting used to the new bite, as your teeth don’t come together in the usual manner. But if you can’t get used to the new bite after a few days, go to your dentist. They will adjust the filling so your teeth can bite normally once again.
What Can You Eat After a Filling?
After you get a filling, it is better to have soft foods like mashed potatoes, soft cheese, smoothies, etc. Soft foods do not require much chewing compared to hard and chewy food, which you should avoid for about 24 hours after a filling.
What’s The Takeaway?
In conclusion, you can eat after a dental filling, but it is better to have soft foods in the initial 24 hours following the procedure.
If you have questions regarding any dental procedure, dial 979-308-4450 to contact our specialists at Angleton Family Dental.
