dental hygiene
Yes you can eat after a filling.. How soon you should eat depends on the type of filling you had and whether your mouth is still numb. Rushing into a sandwich while you can’t properly feel your cheek is a bad idea.
How Soon Can You Eat After a Filling?
If you had a composite filling you usually don’t need to wait for the material to harden because it is set during the appointment with a special light. The bigger issue is the anaesthetic. Your tooth may be ready. Your mouth isn’t quite back online yet.
It’s best to wait until the numbness has worn off before eating. This often takes a couple of hours although it varies from person to person. Until then you could accidentally bite your cheek or tongue without noticing.
What About Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings take longer to harden. Your dentist may tell you to avoid chewing on that side for a hours or longer. Follow the advice you were given especially if the filling was large.
If you’re hungry while you’re waiting don’t make it complicated. Once your dentist says eating is fine choose something that doesn’t need chewing.
• Soft food is the option especially while your mouth still feels a little strange.
• Nothing hot because numb lips and hot food aren’t a great combination.
• Chewing on the side can feel more comfortable if the filled tooth feels tender.
What Should You Eat After a Filling?
Once the numbness has gone you can generally return to your diet. Still I’d go easy on anything hard or sticky for the first day if the tooth feels sensitive. There isn’t point testing a fresh filling with the hardest sweet in the cupboard.
Cold or hot foods can also trigger sensitivity for a time. This is fairly common after treatment. Often settles as the tooth gets used to the filling.
What If the Filling Hurts When I Eat?
A little sensitivity isn’t unusual.. Pain when biting is worth paying attention to particularly if it continues instead of settling down.
Sometimes a new filling sits slightly higher than the surrounding tooth. You may notice this as a feeling when your teeth come together almost like that tooth touches first. Your dentist can check the bite. Adjust the filling if needed.
Contact your dentist if you have pain swelling or sensitivity that keeps getting worse.. If the filling feels loose or falls out don’t try to glue it back yourself.
So Can You Eat After a Filling?
Absolutely. Just don’t treat the appointment like a race to your meal. Wait for the numbness to disappear follow your dentists instructions about the filling material and give the tooth a time if it feels sensitive.
Disclaimer
The information shared in our articles is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Every smile is unique, and only a qualified dental professional can assess your individual oral health needs. If you have any concerns, please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist.
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