A dental filling is a common procedure used to restore a tooth damaged by decay or injury. This involves removing the compromised material and replacing it with a specialized substance to prevent further damage and restore function. Proper post-procedure care is important for ensuring the filling’s longevity and your comfort. The time you must wait before eating is primarily dictated by two factors: the type of filling material used and the lingering effects of the local anesthetic.
Determining the Waiting Time Based on Filling Material
The material used is the first factor in determining a safe waiting period before eating. Fillings are most commonly made from either tooth-colored composite resin or silver-colored amalgam.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings, often called white fillings, are cured and hardened instantly using a special blue light. This light activates a chemical process, immediately setting the material in place. Since the filling is fully set before you leave the dental chair, the waiting period is minimal. The wait time is generally related only to the effects of the anesthetic, not the filling itself.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings, the traditional silver-colored restoration, require a significant period to fully set and achieve maximum hardness. Amalgam undergoes a chemical reaction that continues after placement, meaning the filling is weakest immediately after the procedure. It is recommended to avoid chewing directly on an amalgam filling for at least 24 hours. This prevents fracturing or dislodging the material before it reaches its final strength.
Navigating Numbness and Preventing Injury
The presence of local anesthesia is an equally important factor that determines when you can safely eat. Dentists use local anesthetics, such as Lidocaine or Articaine, to numb the area around the tooth and block pain signals during the procedure. The numbing effect of a standard anesthetic lasts between one and three hours, though longer-acting agents can extend this period.
Eating while the mouth, cheek, or tongue is still numb poses a high risk of accidental soft tissue injury. Since you cannot feel the pressure or pain, you may inadvertently bite and damage the inside of your cheek or tongue while chewing. This trauma can lead to painful sores and swelling. Therefore, regardless of the filling type, you must wait until the full sensation has completely returned before attempting to eat.
Immediate Post-Filling Dietary Recommendations
Once the anesthetic has fully worn off and the filling material is set, exercise caution in your food choices for the first 24 hours. Selecting softer foods minimizes stress on the new restoration and the surrounding tooth structure, which may be temporarily sensitive. Items like yogurt, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, and smooth soups are excellent choices as they require minimal chewing force.
You should also avoid consuming foods or drinks that are extremely hot or cold, as the treated tooth may experience temporary temperature sensitivity. Using moderate temperatures helps minimize discomfort. If you received a composite filling, temporarily avoid highly pigmented beverages and foods like coffee, red wine, and berries to prevent initial staining. For the first day, chew primarily on the side of the mouth opposite the new filling to protect the restoration.