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Proper Care After A Tooth Filling – What to Eat & More
Posted on May 19th, 2023
A dental filling, also known as a tooth filling or composite dental filling, is a common treatment used to repair teeth damaged by tooth decay. Fillings are a safe way of restoring health and integrity to teeth and preventing more serious issues, like dental infections, severe tooth pain, and tooth loss. Cavity fillings also prevent the need for root canals in Chicago and tooth extractions by eliminating decay before it spreads.
Many people worry having a cavity filled will be painful. However, the overall benefits far outweigh the mild discomfort you may experience during or after this procedure.
For tips on what to do after a dental filling, continue reading.
Dos and Don’ts After A Tooth Filling Procedure
Your dental filling will likely be performed in just one appointment. Post-procedure aftercare is simple, and by following a few tips, you can further improve the recovery process.
How Long After Getting A Cavity Filled Can You Eat?
If your tooth is sensitive after a filling, this is normal and usually fades within 24-48 hours. However, this leads many patients to ask the question, How long after a cavity filling can you eat?
It’s best to wait at least 2 hours to eat after a filling. Additionally, avoid consuming any hot or cold foods and beverages until the anesthetic wears off completely.
What to Eat After A Cavity Filling
Eating after a dental filling can be tricky, so it’s important to be selective with food for at least 24 hours following your procedure. You may also benefit from only chewing on the side of your mouth that did not receive treatment.
You may experience tooth pain after a filling when chewing, so avoid anything sticky, hard, or especially crunchy. Instead, opt for soft foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. You can also eat fruits and vegetables, crackers, bread, cheese, and other everyday things you probably already have in your kitchen.
How Do I Manage Tooth Sensitivity?
It’s normal for your tooth and the area around it to be sensitive after a dental filling. This usually goes away within 24-48 hours. However, until it does you can usually take over the counter pain medication, like ibuprofen. This will also help with swelling and sore gums.
If your lips are dry or cracked after treatment, apply a nourishing lip balm and drink plenty of water. You may have to wait until 2 hours have passed following your procedure before consuming liquids.
Don’t Avoid Brushing and Flossing
Even if your tooth is sore after a filling, you should not avoid brushing your teeth or flossing. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and be gentle when cleaning the treated tooth. It’s likely that the gum tissue surrounding the tooth is sensitive, as well, so floss slowly and carefully.
Check Your Bite
When a filling is completed, your dentist will check to make sure your bite is correct before you leave the dental office. However, once the anesthetic wears off, if you notice something feels “off” when you chew or close your mouth, contact your dentist. You may require a follow-up appointment to perfect the shape of your new filling.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
It can be tempting to grind your teeth together after you have dental work done. However, this puts stress on your teeth and the new filling. If you grind your teeth, you risk chipping your filling or even one of your natural teeth, especially if areas of your mouth are still numb.
Contact Us
If you have questions about filling procedures or aftercare, such as what to eat after a dental filling or how to manage discomfort, contact Windy City Family Dental today. We provide reliable dental care, including general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, and advice from dental professionals you can trust.
Call us at (312) 236-8065 to schedule an appointment with one of the best restorative and cosmetic dentists in Chicago.
