Has your dentist just told you you need a filling for one of your crooked teeth? If yes, you may have several questions in your mind regarding this procedure. For example, one of the questions that are commonly asked by dental patients about dental fillings is how long they need to wait after getting a filling before they can eat anything. If you are also searching for an answer to this question, you are in luck! This blog will explain everything you need to know about tooth fillings. So, read on!
How Long Should You Wait After Getting A Filling Done To Eat?
Dentists use different types of fillings to restore damaged or crooked teeth. For example, tooth-coloured composite is one of the most commonly used dental fillings these days. These fillings are composed of a tooth-coloured polymeric resin combined with fillers. After getting a composite filling, you should wait at least 2-4 hours before you can resume eating from that tooth. Even then, you should avoid eating hard and sticky foods directly with the restored teeth.
On the other hand, if you have received an amalgam filling, you should wait for at least 24 hours before putting a load on the tooth. Why? Because the chemical reaction in silver amalgam fillings continues for 24 hours, after which these fillings attain sufficient hardness and strength. Furthermore, one must also avoid taking very hot or cold drinks as it may cause them to shrink or contract, leading to dislodgment.
How Soon After Getting A Tooth Filled Is It Safe To Chew Gum?
White chewing gum may seem like a harmless activity immediately after getting a filling, but it is not. Why? Because when you chew gum, it creates a negative pressure when it touches the restored tooth, resulting in the dislodgment of the filling. That is why dentists recommend waiting at least 2-4 hours before chewing gum in the case of bonded restorations. On the other hand, silver amalgam fillings should be allowed to be set for 14 hours before enjoying chewing gum.
Can I Eat From Both Sides Of My Teeth After A Tooth Filling?
In cases where both sides of the mouth require fillings, dentists generally restore one side at a time. This is to allow one to eat without difficulty while leaving the restored side unaffected. So, you should eat only from the side where you don’t have any fresh fillings so that the new filling remains in place.
Can You Eat With A Temporary Filling?
Temporary fillings are given by dentists to restore one’s smile and facial aesthetics. Hence, their primary purpose is to ensure one does not feel self-conscious till they get their permanent fillings. However, temporary restorations are not designed to be used for eating. So, if you have received a temporary filling, you should not use it for chewing as it will not be strong enough to bear the biting pressure, especially in the back teeth.
How Long Do White Fillings Last?
A common concern about the white fillings is how long they last. Previously, it was thought that composite fillings were not strong or durable as silver amalgam fillings. However, thanks to contemporary dental technology, tooth-coloured bonded restorations have considerably more durable. For example, you can expect a bonded restoration to last up to 10 years. Also, the life of these fillings can even be further enhanced by ensuring optimal oral hygiene, eating a tooth-friendly diet and visiting the dentist regularly.
How Long Should I Wait To My Brush Teeth After A Dental Filling?
Brushing your teeth is one of the most critical aspects of your daily oral hygiene routine. However, many dental patients are concerned about whether they should brush their teeth on the day they get one of their teeth filled. So, the answer is that there is no need to wait; you can brush your teeth as soon as you get home. However, you should take care not to apply too much brushing pressure as it may dislodge the restoration. The best way is to brush your teeth gently.
How Long Does It Take A Dental Filling To Harden?
Tooth-coloured composite fillings are hardened using a special light. So, they attain their maximum hardness as soon as they procedure is complete. On the other hand, silver amalgam filings are made by mixing mercury with metal alloys. Therefore, a chemical reaction continues for the next 24 hours, even after the filling placement. So, amalgam fillings typically attain sufficient hardness after 24 hours.
How Soon After Filling A Tooth Can You Brush?
Many think brushing their teeth immediately after getting a filling may damage or dislodge the restoration. However, the fact is that there is no restriction on brushing one’s teeth after having a tooth filled. Why? Because your dentist will make sure that your tooth filing is secured and has hardened sufficiently before allowing you to go home. So, if you brush your teeth gently, you don’t have to worry about the filling getting chipped or dislodged.
Tooth-coloured composite fillings are one of the best options for restoring crooked, stained, or chipped teeth. However, one must go to an experienced dentist to restore teeth. This is because novice dentists may charge you less, but you must expect your fillings to last for a short time. So, if you are looking for a good dentist in Hornchurch, Essex, your best option is Harrow Dental. Our practice offers all services under one roof at affordable rates. So, book an appointment with us today, or visit here to learn more about our dental practice.