Dental Blog

After receiving a dental filling, it's natural to question when you can safely start eating again. Modern dentistry advancements have streamlined this process, allowing for a quicker return to normalcy. Yet, it's crucial to navigate this post-treatment phase with care. Knowing the right type of food to eat and how to properly care for your newly filled tooth can significantly impact your comfort and the filling's longevity. Meridian dentist, Dr. Goettsche of 208 Dental, will share the following tips and information after any filling appointment.

How Soon Can You Eat After Getting a Filling?

You can typically eat shortly after getting a modern composite filling, thanks to the rapid curing process that uses specialized lights during your appointment. However, it's wise to wait until the numbing from the anesthetic wears off to avoid unintentional biting of your lip, cheek, or tongue, which can range from minor discomfort to more serious mouth wounds.

Children, in particular, are more susceptible to such accidental bites. For restorative work like crowns, veneers, or onlays, gentle chewing is recommended for the first 24 hours as the cement fully sets.

What Are The Best Foods to Eat After a Filling?

Choosing the right foods after getting a filling is important for comfort and to avoid any complications. Here's a list of recommended foods we suggest that are gentle on your new filling:

• Smoothies or Protein Shakes
• Yogurt
• Mashed Potatoes
• Soft Cheeses
• Soups
• Pasta or Noodles
• Chili
• Soft or Cooked Fruits and Vegetables
• Bananas
• Cottage Cheese
• Fish
• Eggs
• Ice Cream
• Pancakes
• Oatmeal
• Jell-O or Pudding

How To Care For Teeth After a Filling

Proper care post-filling is essential to ensure healing and maintain oral hygiene. Extra attention should be given to brushing and flossing around the newly filled tooth. If you use an electric toothbrush, consider manually brushing the filled tooth with gentle strokes to avoid discomfort.

It's also important to avoid certain types of foods and drinks following your filling, especially those that are chewy, sticky, acidic, or extreme in temperature (very hot or cold), as well as crunchy or hard items. These can cause discomfort or even harm the integrity of the new filling. Even once a filling has been in place for an extended period of time, it is important that we make healthy life choices to extend the life of the filling. Aggressive habits such as ice chewing or eating of other tough foods may decrease the life of your filling.

By following these guidelines, you can help your filling set properly and reduce the risk of any complications, ensuring a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.

Contact 208 Dental in Meridian for Dental Fillings

Whether you're a new patient looking for a change in dentists, or you recently moved to the Meridian area, we're here to meet all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment online and join our family of satisfied patients. You can easily book online, call us, or even send a text at (208) 501-8860. Let us be a part of your journey to a healthier, brighter smile. Your smile deserves the best care, and we're here to provide just that!

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