Do's and Don'ts After Dental Fillings

Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.

After getting a filling, it's important to consider the type of filling used when deciding what to eat. With composite white fillings that harden instantly under a blue light, you can eat and drink right after the procedure without any concern.

For a more comfortable experience, it's advisable to choose softer foods that require minimal chewing, such as soup, scrambled eggs, or crackers, immediately after the procedure.

However, if you experience pain and swelling, it's best to wait until these symptoms subside before eating.

On the other hand, metal dental fillings take some time to fully harden. It's generally recommended by dentists to wait at least 24 hours after receiving a metal filling before consuming solid foods.

To prevent accidentally biting your lips, cheek, or tongue, it's advisable to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before attempting to eat. It's always a good idea to consult your dentist for specific guidance on the best timing for eating after your filling procedure.

Don't eat sticky, hard or chewy foods for up to two weeks.

You may want to refrain from hot or cold drinks and foods for a few days following a dental filling. Sticky, hard or chewy foods are also a no-no - for up to two weeks. Anything that will require you to take hard bites and chew a lot - such as 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.

After getting a filling, it's common to experience some mild to moderate discomfort or pain. However, this discomfort should generally decrease within 12 hours, allowing you to eat without any tooth sensitivity or irritation in the area.

To help alleviate any physical pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If you continue to experience pain, sensitivity, or discomfort beyond 24 hours, it's important to contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. They can examine your filling and ensure that there are no signs of infection or other issues that require attention.

Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.

Did you know that you don’t have to wait to brush your teeth or floss after a dental filling? As long as you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth, you should be able to keep the area clean as usual.

Do contact your dentist if you experience a persistent toothache

While it's normal to experience mild pain or discomfort after a dental procedure, a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache could be a sign of a deeper issue. This may indicate that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth, requiring a root canal treatment.

It's important to contact your dentist promptly, as they can evaluate the situation and provide the necessary care to address the problem.

Do you need to book a dental hygiene appointment? Please contact our Trenton dentists today.