Do's and Don'ts After Dental Fillings

Do be careful about what you eat after a dental filling.

Depending on the type of filling that was placed, it may be wise to be cautious about what you eat immediately following the filling procedure. Composite white fillings harden instantly under the blue light your dentist uses, so you are able to eat and drink immediately following the procedure but this is not the case for all types of fillings.

Some options for good soft-food options include yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs and crackers. Look for food that requires minimal chewing.

If, on the other hand, you experience pain and swelling after your filling has been placed, 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 may want to refrain from hot or cold drinks and foods for a few days following a dental filling procedure. Sticky, hard or chewy foods should be avoided for up to two weeks. Anything that will require you to take hard bites and chew a lot - such as meat - is probably best avoided.

You’ll also want to stay away from highly acidic foods to help prevent infection. 

Do take over-the-counter painkillers if you notice pain, discomfort or tooth sensitivity after a filling.

Mild to moderate discomfort and pain following the filling is considered normal. In most cases, the pain and swelling will decrease within 12 hours and you can 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 do not disappear after 24 hours, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to check on your filling. It's a good idea to have it checked to ensure that an infection is not developing.

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

It may seem strange but there is no need to wait to brush your teeth or floss after a dental filling has been placed. As long as you brush the area gently and floss carefully around the tooth, you should be able to keep your smile clean as usual.

Do contact your dentist if you experience a persistent toothache

Though it's true that you may feel some mild pain or discomfort, a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache can be an indication that the decay has reached your tooth's pulp and that a root canal may be required to resolve the issue. Contact your dentist, who can address it for you promptly.

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