Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.
Depending on the type of filling used, you should be cautious about what you eat immediately after the procedure. You can eat and drink immediately after the procedure because composite white fillings harden instantly under the blue light used by your dentist.
Some options for good foods to eat following a tooth filling include soup, scrambled eggs and crackers. Look for food that requires minimal chewing.
On the other hand, if there is pain and swelling, wait until it decreases before eating.
Metal dental fillings take a bit of time to harden, so most dentists will recommend waiting at least 24 hours after receiving the dental filling to eat any solid foods.
To avoid biting your lips, cheek, or tongue, you will likely want to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before attempting to eat. Ask your dentist for advice about when is the best time to eat after your filling.
Don't eat sticky, hard or chewy foods for up to two weeks.
You should avoid hot and cold drinks and foods for a few days after getting a dental filling. Foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy are also prohibited for up to two weeks. Anything that requires hard bites and a lot of chewing, 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 the filling, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort and pain. Most of the time, pain and swelling should subside within 12 hours, and you should be able to eat whatever you want without experiencing tooth sensitivity or irritation around the area.
Take over-the-counter painkillers with ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate any physical pain or discomfort after a dental filling.
In the event, pain, sensitivity or discomfort does not disappear after 24 hours, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to check on your filling, to ensure that infection is not developing.
Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.
Did you know you don't have to wait to brush or floss your teeth after getting a dental filling? You should be able to keep the area clean as usual as long as you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth.
Do contact your dentist if you experience a persistent toothache
While you may experience some mild pain or discomfort, a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache may indicate that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. You might require a root canal. Contact your dentist right away so that he or she can take care of it.