Dental fillings are a common and popular treatment that helps restore the form and function of damaged teeth. Whether you have decayed or worn teeth, fillings can come to your rescue by fixing the damage or cavity in your tooth and preventing further complications. 

One of the best things about getting a filling is that it can be designed to closely resemble your natural teeth in shape, colour and size, depending on the type of filling.  

At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we offer white fillings, also known as composite fillings, that blend in seamlessly with their discreet and natural-looking appearance. 

What is the Process of Getting a Filling? 

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and pain or notice a visible hole in the tooth, these are signs you may need a dental filling. Here’s what our dental filling process looks like:

1. During the initial consultation, we will assess your mouth, identify any cavities or areas that need treatment, and discuss treatment options. 
2. A local anaesthetic will be applied to numb the area where the dental filling will be placed so you won’t feel a thing.
3. Next, we will gently remove the decayed parts of your tooth and apply the white composite resin layers. 
4. The filling material will be moulded to resemble the shape of your natural tooth. 

After getting a filling, you may experience slight tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and pain as the anaesthetic begins to wear off. This is normal after getting a filling and is not a cause for worry. However, if pain persists for over 3 days or you experience severe pain, contact our dental clinic immediately. 

Because here’s the thing – aftercare is key after getting a filling. One of the best ways to avoid damage is by being conscious of what you eat. 

Can I Eat After a Dental Filling? 

Yes, it is possible to eat after getting a dental filling. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous chewing immediately after, as your filling needs time to harden. This way, you won’t damage the filling or dislodge it. 

How Long After a Filling Can I Eat? 

The amount of time you need to wait before eating depends on the type of filling material you have. 

If you have composite resin fillings, you’re in luck. Since composite fillings are hardened using a high-intensity blue light, you will be able to eat much sooner other types. However, to be on the safe side, we suggest giving it at least a couple of hours before you eat.

Even then, it’s best to wait until the effects of the local anaesthetic wear off so you can make sure you don’t bite into your lips, tongue or cheeks when eating. 

On the other hand, if you have amalgam fillings (silver fillings made of a mixture of metals), you may have to wait longer. They take about 24 hours to harden fully, so you’ll want to hold off on eating solid foods until then. Also, it is best to chew using the opposite side of your mouth to play it safe.  

What Can I Eat After a Filling? 

While a hearty meal sounds tempting after a visit to the dentist, we suggest having a soft food diet for the first few days after a filling as it does not require a lot of chewing or crunching, helping you preserve the filling and avoid damaging or dislodging it. 

Let’s begin with breakfast! The good thing is that many breakfast favourites like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yoghurt and soft cheese fall into the soft food category. So, you can start your day on a delicious note with your favourite brekkie food!

You’ll want to be more careful when lunchtime rolls around because hot meals, common at lunch, can affect the healing process. Instead, you may want to opt for salads (without chewy meat), mashed potatoes, smoothies and pureed or cream soups. 

For dinner, you can once again opt for soups and salads. Other options include steamed soft vegetables, soft pasta, soft fish, and mashed potatoes. 

And remember, always use the other side of your mouth when chewing!

What Foods Should I Avoid After a Filling? 

Anything that is crunchy or overly chewy, like hard nuts, popcorn, candy, granola, chewing gum, and chewy meat, should be avoided at all costs. The same goes for hot meals and beverages like tea and coffee, as extreme temperatures can affect healing. It’s also a good idea to lay off on sugary or acidic foods, as it can promote bacteria growth or irritate the area around your new filling. 

Don’t worry because our dentists at Warrnambool Smile Dental will give you a list of appropriate diet options that won’t affect your filling and let you know when you can return to your regular diet. 

In addition to being mindful about your diet, you can do a few other things to look after your filling. 

• Brush your teeth as usual, making sure you are gentle in and around the filling area 
• Rinse your mouth with salt water to get rid of any leftover food particles. 
• Take over-the-counter pain medications if you experience any pain. 
• Avoid grinding your teeth. 
• Do not touch your dental fillings. 

With a few small changes and practices, you can make your filling last as long as possible without damaging it. If you want to know more about dental fillings and aftercare, get in touch with our friendly team.