Nobody likes having a cavity on their tooth. It is one thing you would dread listening to for sure. However, it is inevitable during these times; due to ample eating options which take a toll on oral health. One good thing about advancements is the emergence of fillings to protect the exposed roots having nerves of the teeth that have cavities. If you love food, this question of when can you eat after a filling procedure must linger in your mind, isn’t it?
Well, getting a filling due to cavities is an indicator that you need to go slow on food for a while. Your oral health is as important as overall wellbeing. So, to save you from agony, this blog has explained how much you would have to wait before you can get on to eat after the filling procedure.
How Long After Getting A Filling Can You Eat?
It is suggested to not eat at all from the filling site for the next 24 hours at least. Your dentist will inform you when and what you can eat after getting your cavity filled; patience is the key to better recovery.
The time by which you can start to eat or drink greatly depends on the type of cavity filling used. Let’s have a detailed look at them.
Amalgam Filling – (Silver Filling)
This filling takes at least 24 hours to harden itself and have maximum strength. If you get amalgam fillings, your dentist will ask you not to eat for a day from the affected area.
Composite Filling
A composite filling is a white or natural tooth colored filling. The best part about using this material as a filler is that it hardens to full strength immediately. This is done using a blue UV light on the tooth. You can eat as soon as you leave the dentist’s office even. But, it’s recommended to wait at least 2 hours after getting a cavity filled.
It doesn’t matter what kind of filling you get; it is best to steer clear from certain food items for at least the following week. What you can’t eat after getting your tooth filled includes:
- Sugary items
- Food high in acidic content
- Sticky or crunchy food that would require pressurized bite
- Extremely hot or cold item
However, you can eat fruits or have smoothie bowls, mashed potatoes, soups, or anything that doesn’t stick and requires hard biting.
After Care Tips
Dental fillings will not last forever. Therefore it is mandatory to protect them for increasing their life. Here’s what you should do:
- Check your bite. Sometimes metal fillings take a little longer to settle, so check to make your bite even. If the filled teeth feel raised, ask your dentist to fix them immediately.
- Pay attention to pain after getting a filling in the cavity. Mild sensitivity is expected at the anesthesia site. If it does not subside gradually, talk to your dentist.
- Apt dental hygiene is necessary not to give birth to more issues. Follow a good regime, brush twice a day, and floss once. It is good to couple it with an alcohol free mouthwash.
Conclusion
If you are still a bit confused about when to eat after getting a filling, call Pearl Dentistry in Houston and schedule an appointment with one of our experts for a detailed discussion. Call us at 713 766 4389.
