If you’ve got a cavity, having a dental filling placed by your dentist is a necessary procedure. Our North York dentists offer some advice about what you should and should not do after a filling.
Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.
Depending on the type of filling used, you may want to be cautious about what you eat immediately after the procedure. Because composite white fillings harden instantly when exposed to the blue light used by your dentist, you can eat and drink immediately after the procedure.
Some options for good foods to eat following a tooth filling include soup, scrambled eggs and crackers. Look for food that requires minimal chewing.
On the other hand, if there is pain and swelling, wait until it decreases before eating.
Metal dental fillings take a bit of time to harden, so most dentists will recommend waiting at least 24 hours after receiving the dental filling to eat any solid foods.
To avoid biting your lips, cheek, or tongue, you will likely want to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before attempting to eat. Ask your dentist for advice about when is the best time to eat after your filling.
Don't eat sticky, hard or chewy foods for up to two weeks.
You should avoid hot and cold drinks and foods for a few days after having a dental filling. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods are also prohibited - for a period of up to two weeks. Anything that requires you to take big bites and chew a lot, like meat, is probably out.
You’ll also want to avoid highly acidic foods to prevent infection.
Do take over-the-counter painkillers if you notice pain, discomfort or tooth sensitivity after a filling.
You may notice some mild to moderate discomfort and pain following the filling. The majority of the time, you should notice that pain and swelling decrease within 12 hours and you can eat whatever you want without experiencing tooth sensitivity, or irritation around the area.
Take over-the-counter painkillers with ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate any physical pain or discomfort after a dental filling.
If the pain, sensitivity, or discomfort persists after 24 hours, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to inspect your filling to ensure that an infection does not develop.
Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.
Did you know you don't have to wait after a dental filling to brush or floss your teeth? You should be able to keep the area clean as usual if you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth.
Do contact your dentist if you experience a persistent toothache
Though you may experience some mild pain or discomfort, a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache can indicate that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. You may require a root canal. Contact your dentist right away so that they can take care of it for you.
