Very few people get excited about visiting the dentist, especially when they have to undergo a procedure such as getting a dental filling in Vancouver. But if you need a filling and get one, you will be glad you visited our dental office.
In any case, cavities are bad for your teeth and oral health. They represent the dead places of the tooth that will never heal, so the only option is to visit our dentist to receive a filling.
Once you get your tooth filling, you might have concerns about caring for your teeth and even what foods you should eat and avoid. You are in luck since we will get to answer some of your questions.
What Factors Affect Your Diet After Receiving a Dental Filling?
After receiving a dental filling, you will need to wait for some time before you start eating anything. However, the waiting time is determined by the type of filling our dentist in Kitsilano, BC, has placed on your tooth.
For instance, if you go for amalgam fillings, you will wait for no less than 24 hours before you begin eating. But if you must eat, choose the right foods, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You have to wait for over 24 hours because it takes about 24 hours for amalgam fillings to harden fully.
If you have composite fillings, our dentist recommends waiting about 3 hours before you chew on the filling. The composite resin that is used to fill a tooth hardens almost immediately. In fact, you can eat right after you leave our office. But the reason that you have to wait for three hours is that you might still be numb. If you are not, then you can just eat.
Other things that might affect when and how you eat after a filling might include:
- Postoperative Discomfort
It is not uncommon for patients to have some discomfort right after receiving dental fillings. The discomfort might affect your appetite. Therefore, our dentist recommends that you take some pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the discomfort.
- Different Bite
Your bite might feel different when you have a tooth filling since the teeth will not come together as you are used to. However, you will get accustomed to the bite after a few days. But if it still feels uneven after a few days, contact our dentist to adjust the filling.
- Gum Tissue Discomfort
It is possible that the gum tissue near the tooth being filled can get irritated. If this happens, you may feel discomfort when you chew on that side of the mouth.
- Local Anesthesia
Our dentist usually administers local anesthesia before the tooth-filling procedure commences. It may take up to three hours before the numbing agent wears off. So, if you choose to eat before the anesthesia wears off, you might bite your tongue, lips, or cheeks,
- Heightened Sensitivity
You might experience tooth sensitivity after receiving a tooth filling that should subside after a few days. If it doesn’t, reach out to our dentist. The heightened sensitivity could hinder you from enjoying your food.
Ideal Foods to Eat After Receiving a Tooth Filling
Some of the best foods that you can take after a tooth filling are:
- Well-cooked vegetables. Your teeth might be sensitive after a filling; crunchy foods can dislodge the new filling from its position.
- Smoothies are your friend since they are rich and can be made out of your favorite fruits or vegetables.
- Protein shakes. Another wonderful source of nutrition is protein shakes since they can deliver the required amount of protein your body needs and satisfy your appetite.
- Dairy products. These are easy to chew and bite, and they are high in calcium which is good for your teeth.
You also need to know the foods to avoid.
The Foods You Need to Avoid
For you not to dislodge or damage the filling or even hurt yourself, you will need to avoid the following foods:
- Chewy foods such as fibrous meats, candies, etc., might cause some discomfort
- Hard foods such as candies, nuts, and hard fruits such as pears or apples can damage the new filling
- Sticky foods such as toffee, caramel, and gum can dislodge the new filling
As you can see, dental fillings are necessary, but you must adhere to instructions for them to serve you well. Contact us at Enhance Dental Centre if you need fillings or general dental care.
The post Which Type of Food Should You Avoid After Dental Fillings? first appeared on Enhance Dental Centre.