A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay, returning it to its normal function and shape. Following a filling, proper aftercare is important for the longevity of the restoration and patient comfort. Understanding aftercare helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Eating and Drinking After Your Filling
The time to wait before eating or drinking after a cavity filling depends primarily on the type of filling material used. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings harden almost immediately when a dentist uses a blue UV light, allowing you to typically eat as soon as the numbness subsides. Dentists often advise waiting at least two hours to ensure the material is fully set and prevent injury while numb. For amalgam (silver) fillings, the waiting period is longer, as these fillings take about 24 hours to fully harden and reach maximum strength. During this period, avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the amalgam filling is located.
Regardless of filling type, wait until local anesthesia wears off before eating to prevent biting your tongue, cheek, or lips. When you do start eating, begin with soft foods that do not require much chewing force, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, or scrambled eggs. Foods to avoid initially include hard items like nuts, candy, or ice, as well as crunchy foods such as pretzels or raw vegetables, which can dislodge or damage a new filling. Sticky foods like caramel, chewing gum, or taffy should also be avoided, especially with amalgam fillings, as they can pull the filling out. Very hot or cold foods and beverages can cause sensitivity; opt for lukewarm options for the first few days.
Numbness and Sensitivity
After a dental filling, local anesthesia is commonly used to ensure comfort during the procedure. The numbing effect typically lasts between one to three hours, though it can extend up to five to eight hours depending on the type of anesthetic used and the injection site. Once numbness wears off, mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth is common. This sensitivity might manifest as a reaction to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, or even to pressure when biting down.
This temporary sensitivity occurs because the tooth’s inner nerve may have been irritated or inflamed during the filling process, particularly if the cavity was deep. This sensitivity is normal and should subside within days to a few weeks as the tooth adjusts. To manage sensitivity, avoiding extreme temperatures in food and drink can be helpful. Using a desensitizing toothpaste containing compounds like potassium nitrate can help block nerve signals and reduce discomfort. Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth can further alleviate pressure on the sensitive tooth.
Oral Hygiene and Other Activities
Maintaining good oral hygiene after a filling is important for the longevity of the restoration and overall oral health. You can brush your teeth gently after a filling once numbness wears off. For composite fillings, which harden immediately, you can brush a few hours after the procedure, being gentle around the treated area. For amalgam fillings, some dentists recommend waiting at least 24 hours before brushing the filled area to allow the material to fully set. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently helps prevent irritation to the gums or the new filling.
Flossing around the new filling can resume after 24 hours, but do so carefully to avoid dislodging it or irritating the area. Most normal daily activities, including exercise, can resume right away, but be cautious with diet for the first 24 hours. Smoking should be avoided for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as it can hinder the healing process.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some sensitivity and mild discomfort are common after a dental filling, certain symptoms warrant immediate contact with your dentist. Severe or worsening pain that does not subside within a few days or weeks could indicate an issue. This includes sharp pain when biting down, which might suggest the filling is too high and affecting your bite alignment. A feeling that your bite is “off” or uneven after numbness wears off also necessitates a dental visit for adjustment.
Other signs to watch for include persistent throbbing pain or swelling near the filled tooth, which could signal an infection or a problem with the tooth’s nerve. Visible damage to the filling, such as chips or cracks, or a piece of the filling breaking off, requires prompt attention. Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets that persists beyond a few weeks, or signs of an allergic reaction like itching or skin rashes, should be reported. Early communication with your dental office addresses potential complications and ensures filling longevity.