Can i eat chips after cavity filling

Most everyone gets at least one cavity that requires filling in their lifetime. The procedure is a simple and relatively painless one, however, many people wonder how long they have to wait to eat after receiving a dental filling. The answer depends on a wide variety of factors. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced New Jersey dental team to learn more about dental fillings and how long you will have to wait after receiving one. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What are the different types of dental fillings?

There are two types of fillings that your dentist may use. They are as follows:

• Amalgam filling: This filling is silver, and it generally takes about 24 hours to harden completely, which means you should wait at least 24 hours before chewing where you had the filling done.
• Composite filling. These fillings are more common in today’s day and age, as they will match the color of your tooth. These fillings harden right after your dentists uses a UV bluelight on your tooth. You can generally eat right after leaving the dentist’s office, however, you may have to wait 2+ hours to eat if you are still numb from the numbing agent used.

What other factors will impact how long my tooth will be sensitive after a dental filling?

There are various additional factors that may impact how long your tooth will be sensitive after a dental filling, including the following:

• Discomfort in the gum tissue/postoperative discomfort: Generally speaking, feeling a slight discomfort for a few days after having a filling procedure is normal and nothing to worry about. In many cases, you can simply take an ibuprofen to help manage the pain. Additionally, rinsing with warm salt water may ease some discomfort felt in your gums.
• Heightened sensitivity to the extremes: Sometimes, for a week or so after receiving a dental filling, you may find your tooth is sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages. This is also generally normal, and you can expect this to resolve on its own after a week or two.

There are many actions you can take to help aid the healing process along after having a filling done, including avoiding sticky, chewy, sugary, or hard foods; avoiding hot or cold foods/beverages, and chewing slowly and with your mouth closed. If you have any additional questions or you believe you have a cavity that requires a filling, give us a call today. We are always here to help.

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Contact The Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Author: Posted: August 4th, 2020 Category:UncategorizedCurious about eating after getting a filling? Here’s everything you need to know about eating when caring for a dental filling. A filling is a common dental treatment that repairs and restores a missing part of the tooth. If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decaying portion of the tooth and fill it with a filling material. This prevents the decay from spreading beyond the tooth enamel and reaching the softer inner part of the tooth. Fillings can also be used to fix cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down by excessive grinding.The most popular types of dental fillings are metal amalgam and composite resin. Amalgam fillings are more durable and composite fillings are better suited for large cavities, but either type will save your teeth.  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Getting a filling is a quick procedure and you can go home immediately afterwards — but you might not be able to grab lunch right away. How soon can you eat after getting a filling? Here’s what you need to know. The Ins and Outs of Eating with a Filling 

If you have a composite filling, you’re in luck! You can eat or drink right after the procedure. A composite filling hardens immediately under UV light. Still, your dentist might recommend that you wait at least two hours before eating because your cheeks and gums might be a little numb from the anesthetic.

 If you have a metal amalgam filling, you’ll have to wait a little longer before eating — typically a full 24 hours. After that, your metal filling will completely harden and reach maximum strength. Your dentist will probably recommend you refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling is located for 24 hours.

No matter your filling type, you should avoid certain foods for a maximum of one week after you have a cavity filled. Stay away from anything sticky, crunchy, sugary, acidic, and very hot or cold. Instead, you can have soft healthy foods like bananas, a cool (not cold!) fruit smoothie, or lukewarm vegetable soup. These kinds of foods won’t trigger any teeth sensitivity issues, and you won’t risk damaging your new filling. Also, you should bite, chew, and eat slowly.   

Best Practice Tips for Filling Care

Dental fillings are designed to last for a long time, but they don’t last forever. You can boost their longevity by eating the right foods and practicing excellent filling care. Start with these tips: 

1. Check Your Bite: Metal fillings might take a little longer to settle in, so you should check to make sure your bite is even. If the teeth you had filled feels more elevated than the rest of your teeth, contact your dentist so they can fix the placement.
2. Pay Attention to Any Pain: After you get a filling, it’s normal to feel a little tooth sensitivity or mild pain near where you were injected with anesthetic. If you experience any pain for longer than a week, contact your dentist. 
3. Keep Them Clean: Good dental hygiene will make your fillings last longer. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. You can also rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria.

Talk to the Dental Professionals

Visiting your dentist at least once a year is another essential part of proper filling care. If it’s time for a check-up, stop in to see us at Espire Dental. We’re committed to providing the highest quality general and specialty dental services and helping you exude confidence through a perfect smile. Contact us today for an appointment!

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