Resuming physical activity after a dental filling requires caution. When and how to return to your workout routine depends on several factors. Understanding these considerations helps ensure a smooth recovery and protects your new dental work.
Immediate Post-Filling Recovery
Immediately after a cavity filling, the material needs time to set, and your body begins its initial healing. Composite resin fillings, often tooth-colored, are light-cured and set instantly, though they continue to harden over a few hours. Amalgam (silver) fillings take longer to fully set, reaching initial hardness in 1 hour and full strength in about 24 hours. Avoid hard foods for the first 24 hours with amalgam fillings.
Local anesthesia is common during filling procedures, with effects lasting several hours, typically 1 to 4 hours. Numbness can impair coordination and sensation, increasing the risk of accidentally biting your cheek or tongue during physical activity. Wait until numbness completely wears off before exercising to prevent injury to your mouth’s soft tissues.
Factors Affecting Your Return to Exercise
The type and size of the filling influence recovery. A small, simple composite filling generally requires less downtime than a larger filling, especially an amalgam one requiring more tooth preparation. Larger fillings, or those involving extensive drilling near the tooth’s nerve, may cause more post-procedure sensitivity and discomfort.
The dental procedure’s complexity also affects recovery. While routine fillings have minimal downtime, more extensive treatments or significant tooth manipulation may prolong recovery. Individual pain tolerance and overall health also influence how quickly you feel ready to resume activity. Always follow your dentist’s specific instructions for a safe return to exercise.
Workout Precautions and Safe Practices
When returning to exercise, take specific precautions to protect your new filling and support healing. Avoid strenuous activities that significantly increase blood pressure, such as heavy lifting or intense cardio, for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Elevated blood pressure can increase blood flow to the mouth, potentially leading to bleeding or discomfort at the filling site. Activities involving bending over or jarring motions should also be approached with caution initially.
Refrain from contact sports or activities with mouth impact risk, as a blow could damage the filling or cause trauma. Pay attention to your body; if you feel discomfort, throbbing, or unusual sensations, reduce intensity or stop exercising. Staying hydrated supports healing, and avoiding teeth clenching or grinding during workouts prevents stress on the new filling. Start with lighter activities like walking, gradually increasing intensity over several days.
When to Seek Dental Advice
Contact your dentist if you experience certain signs or symptoms after a dental filling. These include persistent or worsening pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, or constant throbbing. Also report unusual or prolonged sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure lasting beyond a few days to weeks.
Other warning signs include gum swelling around the filled tooth, infection signs (fever, discharge), or an uneven bite after numbness wears off. If the filling feels loose, chipped, or falls out, seek immediate dental attention to prevent further decay or complications. Any significant discomfort or unexpected symptoms after returning to exercise warrant a call to your dental office.