Gold, amalgam, and composite fillings take about 24-48 hours to set. [2] X Research source Ceramic fillings set immediately with the help of a blue dental light. [3] X Research source Glass ionomers set within 3 hours of filling, but it may take 48 hours for them to feel hard. [4] X Research source
Ask your dentist if you need to take pain medication to manage post-operative sensitivity. Follow the package or your dentist’s instructions for taking pain relievers after a filling. Sensitivity will generally improve within one week.
If you do eat or drink, the numbness may make it difficult to gauge the temperature or you may end up biting the inside of your cheek, tongue or tip. If you can’t wait to eat or drink, try soft foods like yogurt or applesauce and simple beverages like water. Chew using the opposite side of your mouth than the filling to help ensure that you don’t injure yourself or damage the filling.
Very hot or cold foods and beverages can disrupt the bond of fillings. Composite fillings are generally bonded to the tooth. The bonding process continues for at least 24 hours, so it’s advisable to consume lukewarm foods/beverages during this time. Hot and cold temperatures make the filling material expand and contract, especially if they are metal. This alters the filling adaptability, shape, and strength of the material and may cause fractures or leaking. Make sure to allow cooling time for hot foods like soup or baked dishes including lasagna as well as heated beverages such as coffee and tea before you consume them.
Biting hard foods can fracture your filling or your tooth. Sticky foods can adhere filled tooth surfaces for a long time and make them more susceptible to cavities. Food stuck in between the teeth can weaken a filling and puts you at higher risk for more cavities. To avoid this, rinse your mouth out after every snack or meal and use fluoridated mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
High points may prevent you from closing your mouth properly or biting correctly. They can also cause problems like pain, the inability to eat on the side of the mouth where the filling is, fracture of the filling, earache, and clicking in the temporomandibular joint.
Watch for the following symptoms and contact your dentist if you experience any of them: Sensitivity in the restored tooth Cracks in the filling Missing or chipped off fillings Discolored teeth or fillings If you notice the filling is shaky and seepage is occurring at the margins when you drink something.
Make sure to brush and floss after meals if you can. If you have food stuck in your teeth, it promotes an environment that is rife for further cavities and can damage current fillings. If you don’t have a toothbrush, chewing a piece of gum can help. Coffee, tea, and wine can stain your filling and your teeth. If you drink any of these beverages, Try to brush your teeth afterward to prevent staining. Tobacco and smoking can also stain your fillings and teeth.
If you can’t brush, because for example you’re at school, then rinse your mouth with water. Increase your water intake. Limit your snacking frequency, avoid sticky foods. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and legumes can help with your overall well-being, including oral health. Even some healthy foods are acidic, including citrus fruits. Continue eating these, but limit how much you consume and consider brushing your teeth when you’re done. Consider diluting juices with 50/50 water. Examples of sugary and acidic foods and beverages are soft drinks, sweets, candies, and wine. Sports drinks, energy drinks, and coffee with added sugar also count.
Fluoride gel or paste also helps to strengthen your enamel, furthering the life of your fillings.
You can find toothpastes and mouthwashes without alcohol at most grocery and drug stores or online retailers.
Grinding wears your fillings and can cause sensitivity and damage including small chips and cracks. Nail biting, opening bottles or holding objects with your teeth are also bad habits. Try to avoid them so that you don’t damage your teeth or fillings.
