Your Edmonton Invisalign® Provider
Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.
You might want to exercise caution regarding the food you eat right after the filling procedure, depending on the type of filling that was used. You can eat and drink right away after having composite white fillings placed because they become instantly hard under the blue light your dentist uses.
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 or cold drinks and foods for a few days after having a dental filling. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods are also prohibited for up to two weeks. Anything that requires you to take hard bites and chew thoroughly, 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.
Following the filling, you might experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort. Usually, within 12 hours, you should notice a reduction in the pain and swelling, and you should be able to eat whatever you want without experiencing tooth sensitivity or irritation nearby.
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 do 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
Although you might experience some mild discomfort, a persistent toothache that is sharp or throbbing can be a sign that the decay has spread to the pulp of your tooth. You might require a root canal. Make an appointment with your dentist so they can handle it right away.
