After getting a cavity filled when can you eat

You should wait at least 24 hours before eating solid foods again after you have had a filling. Since your mouth will be numb from the anaesthetic, you may not feel anything from the affected area during this period. It is best to avoid hot foods and drinks such as coffee as you could burn or bite your lip without feeling it!

If you are feeling hungry, you may want to eat soft foods or drink water through a straw. Once your filling is placed, it is best to consult with your dentist to see what the best course of action is for your oral health.

What happens during the procedure?

Firstly, your dentist will place a numbing gel onto your gums with a swab near your affected tooth. Once applied, a local anaesthetic will be inserted into your gums to help numb your tooth, so you do not feel any pain during the procedure.

Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will begin to remove the decay from your tooth. During this time, you may feel slight vibrations coming from your tooth. If you feel any pain or increased sensitivity, let your dentist know immediately.

Depending on your case, they may fill the hole left behind from the decay with either porcelain or composite. A composite resin or white filling is more common amongst our patients while both materials help to restore your tooth’s:

  • Functionality
  • Natural Colour
  • Shape
After getting a cavity filled when can you eat
Composite Resin Filling Restoration by Dr Jason Bulmer from Coastal Dental Care Banora Point

Can I drink coffee after a filling?

You may want to avoid consuming hot drinks like coffee or tea following a filling treatment as your gums and tooth will still be numb. Due to the local anaesthetic inserted into your gums, the affects of this may take a few hours to wear off.

Therefore, you may not even feel the coffee burning your mouth if it is too hot. You may also want to avoid very cold drinks and eating solid foods.

We recommend waiting around 1 to 2 hours following your treatment before starting to consider eating soft foods again.

However, every case is different. For some patients, the effects may take longer to wear off so you should wait until you have a sense of feeling within your mouth. Again, wait 24 hours before returning to your normal eating habits.

Your dentist will be able to advise you of the right course of action before you leave the practice. If you encounter any problems following your procedure, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Taking care of your filling

When taking care of your filling following your procedure, you should avoid:

  • Hot or cold solid foods and drinks
  • Chewing or biting too hard
  • Brushing your teeth too hard
  • Soft or fizzy drinks

By avoiding all of these, you can help your filling to settle within your tooth.

In the long run, you should maintain practicing good oral hygiene methods every day. This can be done through:

  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing once a day
  • Attending regular check-ups every 6 months

By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can provide your teeth and filling with a good clean while removing any plaque or bacteria build up.

By doing this, you can help to limit anymore decay from developing within your teeth!

Dental fillings on the Gold Coast

If you require a filling on the Gold Coast, contact one of our friendly practices to find out how our dentists can help.

Our state-of-the-art facilities help our highly trained dentists to provide the best dental care to all our wonderful patient’s.

If you would like to book an appointment, you can do so by booking an appointment online 24/7.

A dental filling is one of the most common procedures in dentistry, so it’s extremely likely that you’ll require one (or several) over the course of your life. By treating tooth damage caused by decay, a filling can restore the function and appearance of a tooth while also preventing further decay. The treatment process is quick, painless, and requires very little post-treatment care. But can you eat after a filling?

After getting a cavity filled when can you eat

Your dentist or dental hygienist will let you know what you should and shouldn’t do after you receive a new dental filling. Fortunately, there are no restrictions on eating or drinking after the procedure.

Why? These days, most dentists primarily use composite fillings, which look inconspicuous in the mouth due to their whitish color (which mimics the color of your natural teeth). Since composite fillings harden as soon as your dentist applies a UV light, your filling will be hard and secure immediately. You can feel free to dine right away if you like. If, on the other hand, your dentist applies an amalgam (silver) filling, they may recommend that you avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the filling for about 24 hours, which is about how long it takes for an amalgam filling to fully harden. But even then, you’re free to eat immediately after the procedure.

What can you eat after a filling? Anything you like! Whether your preferred dish is hot or cold, sticky or smooth, spicy or mild, your newly filled tooth can handle it. However, you may find it more comfortable to avoid hard foods (such as hard candy, nuts, and ice), which can put pressure on your teeth, and very hot and cold foods, which may trigger sensitivity.

Tips for New Fillings

Although you can carry on eating and drinking as you usually do, you should follow a few simple rules to ensure that your dental filling heals successfully:

  • Part of your mouth will be numb after the procedure due to the local anesthetic administered by your dentist. Although this effect will fade within a few hours, be careful not to hurt your mouth in the meantime. Avoid chewing or biting on your lips, tongue, and cheeks.
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold is a common side effect following a dental filling procedure. In some cases, it will last two weeks or longer. If you find the sensitivity bothersome, try using desensitizing toothpaste. If the sensitivity persists, talk to your dentist.
  • If your mouth feels sore and achy after the procedure, you can take over-the-counter pain medications for the first couple of days following your treatment. Ibuprofen and Tylenol are commonly recommended.
  • During the procedure, your dentist will aim to get your bite as comfortable and even as possible. However, if your bite feels “off” afterward or you’re experiencing discomfort (such as a dull ache), give your dentist a call. Sometimes a quick adjustment by your dentist can alleviate the issue.
  • Your restored tooth will function like all your other teeth, so continue brushing and flossing as normal. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, and floss at least once a day.

Looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri? Contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!