Dental fillings are a common procedure used to repair teeth affected by cavities or minor damage. Understanding proper post-procedure care is important for the longevity of the filling and your comfort. Following your dentist’s instructions regarding when and what to eat helps protect the newly restored tooth during its initial healing phase.
Understanding Different Filling Materials and Their Wait Times
The type of dental filling material used affects how long you should wait before eating.
Composite resin fillings, often tooth-colored, harden immediately when exposed to a special UV light. You can typically eat as soon as the numbness from local anesthesia subsides, usually within one to two hours.
Amalgam fillings, which are silver-colored, require a longer period to fully set. Dentists generally recommend waiting at least 24 hours before chewing on the side of the mouth where an amalgam filling was placed. This allows the metallic mixture to solidify completely.
Glass ionomer fillings begin to set within one to two hours, but continue to harden over a longer period. It is generally advised to wait at least one to two hours before eating.
The Science Behind the Wait: Anesthesia and Curing
The primary reasons for waiting to eat after a dental filling involve local anesthesia and the curing process. Local anesthetic numbs the area, ensuring a comfortable procedure. Eating while numb can lead to accidentally biting the tongue, cheek, or lip, causing injury. Numbness typically wears off within one to three hours.
The curing process of dental materials is another important factor. Composite resins undergo photo-polymerization, where light energy causes molecules to link together, forming a strong, solid structure. While this provides immediate hardness, the material continues to fully integrate and achieve its maximum strength over the next 24 hours. Amalgam fillings harden through a chemical reaction that progresses over approximately 24 hours to reach full strength. Glass ionomer cements also set via a chemical acid-base reaction, with maturation continuing for several weeks after placement.
What to Eat and Avoid After a Filling
After receiving a dental filling, selecting appropriate foods helps protect the new restoration and minimize discomfort. Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods that do not require much force. Chewing on the side of the mouth opposite the new filling can also help prevent undue stress on the treated area.
Good choices include:
Soups
Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Smoothies
Soft cheeses
Well-cooked vegetables
Certain foods and beverages should be avoided immediately after a filling to prevent damage or irritation. Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can chip or dislodge the filling. Sticky or chewy items such as caramel, chewing gum, or dried fruits can pull the filling out. Additionally, very hot or very cold foods and drinks may cause temporary sensitivity in the newly filled tooth. Sugary and acidic foods should also be limited as they can promote bacterial growth or irritate the treated area.
Post-Filling Care and When to Contact Your Dentist
Experiencing some sensations after a dental filling is normal as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration. Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common and usually resolves on its own within two to four weeks. Mild soreness in the treated area or jaw pain from keeping your mouth open during the procedure can also occur. Maintaining good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the new filling is important for healing.
There are specific indicators that suggest you should contact your dentist for further evaluation:
Persistent severe pain or sensitivity that lasts longer than two to four weeks, or pain that worsens.
If the filling feels “high” or your bite feels uneven, causing discomfort when biting down.
Swelling, sharp or throbbing pain.
If the filling feels loose or falls out.