Treating cavities are one of the most common procedures dentists do, and frequently this is done through fillings. Fillings are pretty much exactly what they sound like, they “fill” the space in your tooth a cavity ate away at. If you’re hungry at the time of the operation, you might be wondering how long after a filling you can eat, or if the process hurts, among other questions.
We answer 5 of the common questions surrounding fillings below so you can get a better understanding of them and ease your worries.
How Long After a Filling Can I Eat?
In most cases, you can eat right after getting a filling done, but it does depend on the filling material used.
The most common filling type is a composite resin material that bonds and blends with your teeth almost invisibly. Because this material hardens instantly under blue light, you can eat and right after the operation.
What Can You Eat After a Filling?
You can eat most foods after a filling, but it’s best to avoid anything hard, chewy, or sticky if possible. For example, it’s okay to eat pizza once it’s cooled down a bit but avoid eating the crust.
Also, keep in mind hot or cold foods may cause sudden tooth sensitivity. Therefore, it’s best to wait for your food to reach room temperature before chowing down.
Can You Drink After a Filling?
Like foods, you can have most drinks after a filling. Also like foods, it’s best to avoid overly hot or cold drinks for two weeks since they may give you tooth sensitivity. If you do need your morning dose of coffee, then we recommend waiting until it’s lukewarm before drinking it.
Does It Hurt to Get a Filling?
The procedure for a filling involves getting local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth that has a cavity. Because of this, you shouldn’t ever feel any pain from the operation itself.
After getting a filling and the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some mild discomfort or pain which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
How Do I Make Fillings Last?
Here are some of the best ways to make fillings last for many years:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing once a day
- Eating a low amount of unrefined and refined sugars in foods
- Going for regular dentist check-ups and cleanings
It’s understandable to have fears about getting a filling done, but the procedure is simple and only mildly uncomfortable. You’ll be back to enjoying the foods you love in no time.