Many know that when you have a dental visit, you shouldn’t eat. Not only is it better for you if you have a treatment or procedure coming up that requires medication, but it’s just the kind thing to do for your dentist (they don’t want to see stuck food in your teeth!).
This general rule is especially true if you have a filling appointment coming up as well. But do you do when your cavity has been filled and you’re starving after your visit? Learn about how to treat your new filling—including what to eat—after your appointment in this week’s blog post.
After Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth colored fillings are cavity fillings that blend right among your natural teeth, serving as restorative dental care as well as cosmetic dental care. Composite fillings are a white resin paste, which hardens immediately once your dentist exposes it to a special UV light that cures or hardens it into place.
Your dentist will suggest patients wait several hours before eating anything, although many patients report being able to eat soft foods after receiving their tooth colored fillings. Here are a few things to consider before your next meal after your appointment.
How numb is your mouth?
When having a cavity filled, your dentist will sometimes numb a part of the mouth. While numbing your mouth prevents you from feeling any pain while your cavity is cleaned and filled, it also prevents you from feeling anything for a while after the appointment as well. The combination of your mouth being both numb and swollen may result in damage to your soft tissues if you try to chew. Wait to eat anything until the numbness wears off or you could risk biting your cheek or tongue.
Are your teeth sensitive still?
Most dental procedures or treatments cause a brief period of tooth sensitivity. Often, a cavity filling will leave your teeth sensitive to not only pressure like biting, but also temperatures like a beverage that’s really cold or a soup that may be very hot. This sensitivity can last anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 days. So, be careful when eating!
What foods should you avoid altogether?
The last thing you want to do after getting a filling is damage it. Hard candy, ice, gum, nuts, and other crunchy or sticky foods could cause a new filling to become loose or damaged. Avoid hard and extremely chewy foods for a full 24 hours to keep your new dental work safe.
Now, you’ve learned something new: you can eat after your dental filling appointment. You just have to be careful with your nutrition choices! Ask your dentist for more aftercare advice during your dental visit.
About Our Office
Here at PCH Dental, we want everyone to have a positive dental experience when they visit us. We will make sure that you know how to properly care for your smile before you leave our practice, guaranteeing that you can work to preserve your new dental work should you get any. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.