How long after a tooth filling can you eat

How long after a tooth filling can you eat

Considering that more than 67% of the UK public has at least one dental filling and that we are a nation of sugar lovers, it comes as no surprise that fillings are one of our main services. Used to treat small holes or cavities within teeth, they are a vital procedure for many to stop the further deterioration of oral health.

Just like other procedures, like teeth whitening and crowns, there are considerations that must be made post-treatment. In addition to ensuring fillings are looked after correctly, a major thing to get right is choosing the relevant length of time to wait until eating again.

In this article, we will confirm how long after a tooth filling you should wait to eat again, plus share some handy hints and tips for managing care after a treatment.

Why should you wait a certain amount of time to eat after getting a tooth filling?

Fillings are a form of general dentistry known as restorative care. They are responsible for restoring the proper function of a bite as well as the cosmetic finish of a smile. For a few reasons, it’s important to leave them a good amount of time between the completion of treatment and selecting a snack.

Firstly, your dentist will likely need to use some form of numbing treatment, meaning trying to eat can be dangerous until the full feeling is returned. You could also end up causing damage to the area or the rest of your mouth if you eat in a numb oral environment, as you are not aware of issues such as sharp or hot food. You will also need to wait to allow the filling to completely harden and settle into the tooth. There will also likely be swelling and/or irritation to the surrounding gums, which can be uncomfortable when eating.

If you rush the process and eat or drink too quickly, you could cause more damage, which would likely result in another trip to the dentist!

What is the recommended time to wait to eat after a new tooth filling?

The type of filling you receive will impact the answer to how long you have to wait before enjoying a snack or meal.

If you receive an Amalgam filling, which is the traditional silver option most people have, you will have to wait at least 24 hours. However, if you opt for a tooth-coloured composite filling, you are often able to eat within 2 hours.

While these are the recommended times, you will also be met with other rules, such as avoiding certain food types for at least a couple of weeks. This includes items that are hard, sticky or extremely hot. You should also consider that even if a tooth is filled, cavities can still form as a result of extreme exposure to sugar or a lack of cleaning. This means that adopting a new and improved hygiene routine is essential.

When may you want to wait for longer to eat after a tooth filling?

Just like any other procedure, such as dental implants or composite bonding, there may be times when you have to wait longer for a proper heal.

With dental fillings, the main reason for this is the position of the treatment. Fillings with a wide surface area, such as those on back teeth, will take longer to set. Another situation in which you may need to wait longer is if the sealant cannot be successfully applied to the tooth. This may mean that a second appointment is needed to finish treatment, so the tooth is left in a slightly vulnerable condition until that time.

You may also need to wait for longer than the recommended time frame if you are experiencing discomfort or heightened sensitivity. This should resolve itself with time and any prescribed medication, but it can reflect different periods for each person. Finally, if you end up getting a form of infection as a result of any treatment, you will need to avoid certain foods for longer. This doesn’t regularly happen, but it can arise if there is a wider dental issue or a poor immune system.

How to chew comfortably after getting a tooth filling?

During the post-treatment care period for a filling, in addition to sticking to the recommended wait times, you will also need to be careful about the types of food you eat. Certain foods will be okay to have after the initial period, whereas others may need to be slowly phased back into a diet after a couple of weeks.

Here are our top tips for how to alleviate any discomfort whilst eating after receiving a new filling.

Avoid certain foods

Firstly, there will be certain foods that are unfortunately off the menu for a short period of time. You can choose to eat these, but you run the risk of damaging the new filling, causing it to become loose or severely affecting the surrounding gums.

We recommend that you give any hard foods a miss, which includes crusty bread, solid candies and nuts. Another food group that will be hard to eat are sticky items like chewing gum. They can cause the filling to be pulled, which can move it out of place. Sugary items are also an obvious choice, but not for the reason you may think. Yes, sweet treats worsen the condition of a new filling, but sugar is known for promoting bacteria, which can result in infections being caused in the area.

Finally, you will likely experience some sensitivity to the area, so it’s a good idea to avoid anything extremely hot or cold.

Eat in smaller bites

When introducing foods after receiving a filling, it’s good to do so slowly. This will help you to avoid biting down too hard, plus make it easier to monitor the condition of the newly filled tooth whilst eating. This tip is also ideal, as you should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that has received treatment, so smaller bites make this possible.

Keep your mouth closed

This tip is recommended as it will lower the chances of sensitivity being a problem. If you allow air to enter your mouth when chewing, it can cause discomfort to arise. You will also start to naturally eat faster, which could result in pressure being placed on the tooth.

What to do if your tooth filling is painful after the recommended amount of healing time?

If your healing time has passed and you are still unable to bite down like normal without experiencing pain, you should book a check-up with your dentist.

It may well be the case that the filling has moved out of the correct position, that it’s not properly being placed or that an injection has arisen. If you leave this, it could not only prolong pain but also result in issues for other teeth, leading to a much bigger problem than what was initially dealt with.

Choose the Eye and Dental Clinic for professional tooth fillings

Are you suffering from a toothache or bad breath? If so, you may need a dental filling!

Our practice offers both forms of fillings so that patients can choose the perfect treatment methods for their oral woes. Our expert team also offers fillings and a wide array of other services, including Invisalign, teeth straightening, veneers, and dentures. This means you can get all of your treatments completed in one place, plus have peace of mind that our dentists, hygienists and assistants are the best around.

Fillings don’t have to disrupt your diet for too long and will result in the smile being returned to your face before you know it! To find out more, check out our price list, which includes different fillings plus other appointments you may be interested in.

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