Do you have a cavity? You'll need your dentist to treat it by placing a dental filling. Our Abbotsford offer some tips about what you should and should not do after receiving a filling.
Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.
Depending on which type of filling your dentist has placed in your mouth, you may want to be cautious about what you choose to eat immediately after the filling procedure. Since composite white fillings harden instantly under the blue light used by your dentist, you can eat and drink immediately following the procedure.
Some options for good foods to eat following a tooth filling include crackers, soup and scrambled eggs. Look for food that requires minimal chewing.
On the other hand, if there is pain and swelling, wait until it decreases before eating.
Metal dental fillings take a bit of time to harden, so most dentists will recommend waiting at least 24 hours after receiving the dental filling to eat any solid foods.
To avoid biting your lips, cheek, or tongue, you will likely want to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before attempting to eat. Ask your dentist for advice about when is the best time to eat after your filling.
Don't eat sticky, hard or chewy foods for up to two weeks.
Sticky, hard or chewy foods are a no-no for up to two weeks after a filling is placed. You may also want to refrain from eating hot or cold drinks. If you'll need to take hard bites and chew the food a lot (think meat), it is probably not a great choice.
You should also avoid highly acidic foods to prevent infection.
A plus: You don’t have to wait to brush your teeth or floss after a dental filling.
Do take over-the-counter painkillers if you notice pain, discomfort or tooth sensitivity after a filling.
You may notice some mild to moderate discomfort and pain following the filling. The majority of the time, you should notice that pain and swelling decrease within 12 hours and you can eat whatever you want without experiencing tooth sensitivity, or irritation around the area.
Take over-the-counter painkillers with ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate any physical pain or discomfort after a dental filling.
In the event, pain, sensitivity or discomfort do not disappear after 24 hours, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to check on your filling, to ensure that infection is not developing.