Getting a white filling is a common dental procedure to treat tooth decay or replace an old filling that has worn down. White fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, bond to the tooth structure and match the color of your teeth. This makes them look very natural compared to old silver amalgam fillings.
After getting a white filling, there are some things you need to avoid doing for the first 24 hours while the filling fully sets and adheres to your tooth. Avoiding certain foods and activities will help prevent damage or dislodgment of your new white filling.
Things to Avoid After Getting a White Filling
Here are some of the main things you should not do after getting a white filling:
Avoid chewing or biting down on the filled tooth
You want to avoid placing pressure on the filled tooth until the filling has fully hardened. Chewing and biting down could cause the filling to crack or chip. Avoid chewing on the side with the new filling and stick to soft foods on that side.
Don’t eat hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
You’ll want to avoid any foods that could get stuck in the filling or dislodge it while it is still setting. Foods to avoid include:
- Hard candies or mints
- Crunchy chips or pretzels
- Taffy or gum
- Popcorn
- Hard cookies, nuts, or seeds
- Raw vegetables like carrots, celery, or apples
- Corn on the cob
- Hard breads and bagels
- Ice cubes or popsicles
Stick to softer foods like yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soup, or overcooked pasta. Give your filling at least 24 hours to fully harden before attempting to eat any crunchy or sticky foods.
Don’t drink hot beverages
You’ll also want to avoid extremely hot or cold beverages until the filling has set. Very hot coffee, tea, or soup could cause expansion or contractions that dislodge the new filling. Allow beverages to cool slightly first.
Don’t chew gum
Chewing gum should be avoided for the first day after your filling, as gum can stick to composite fillings while they are still setting. The chewing motion can also dislodge a new filling.
Avoid hard brushing and flossing
You’ll need to brush and floss carefully around the new filling. Aggressive brushing or flossing could scratch or damage the filling. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle motion. Don’t pull up on the floss, which could dislodge the filling.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is never recommended right after a dental procedure, as it can irritate the surgical site. Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after your white filling.
Why You Need to Avoid These Activities
Avoiding the activities above allows your white filling to fully harden and bond to the tooth properly. Here’s some more detail on why these precautions are important:
Chewing and Biting
Your saliva can take around 24 hours to fully harden a white filling. Chewing or biting down too soon can cause cracks or fractures. Small chips may lead to bacteria and decay getting underneath the filling. Wait until it has had time to fully adhere before using that tooth for chewing.
Hard, Sticky Foods
Crunchy, sticky, and hard foods can get impacted in the tiny grooves of a fresh white filling, before the material is fully set. This can pull the filling out. Sticky foods may also adhere to the surface. It’s best to stick to soft foods at first.
Hot Beverages
Extreme hot or cold can cause the composite resin in the filling to expand or contract. This small movement while the material is still soft can weaken the bond to your tooth. Let items come to room temperature before consuming.
Gum Chewing
The chewing motion when you chew gum can place vertical pressure and small impacts on the filling. This can cause fractures or complete dislodgement of a new filling. The gum sticking to the surface can also pull it out.
Aggressive Brushing
The white composite resin is softer and more prone to scratching when first placed. Hard brushing or scrubbing can damage the smooth surface. Gentle brushing allows the polish to remain intact.
Smoking
Smoking brings heat and chemicals to your mouth, which can irritate the area around a new filling. Smoking typically leads to more tooth discoloration as well. It’s best to refrain until the filling is settled.
What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Recommendations?
If you don’t adhere to the post-filling precautions, here are some of the potential consequences:
– The filling may crack, chip, or fracture
– You may partially or fully dislodge the filling
– Bacteria can get under the filling, leading to decay
– Damage to the tooth underneath the filling
– Need for a replacement filling
– Additional irritation or trauma to the area
– Tooth sensitivity or pain from pressure
– Aesthetic damage if the surface cracks or stains
Following your dentist’s recommendations avoids these issues and allows the filling to properly integrate into your tooth. Rushing the hardening process usually leads to failure down the road.
When Can You Resume Normal Activity After a White Filling?
Here is a general timeline for when you can typically resume normal eating and activities after getting a white filling:
After the first 2 hours:
– Rinse mouth gently with water
– Take any prescribed medication
– Brush teeth gently near the filling
After the first 24 hours:
– Resume gentle brushing and flossing
– Chew soft foods on the opposite side
– Drink warm beverages
After 48 hours:
– Resume normal brushing routine
– Chew soft to medium foods
– Drink hot beverages with caution
After 3-7 days:
– Bite and chew normally
– Eat harder, crunchy foods
– Return to your normal diet
– Resume gum chewing
This timeline can vary based on your specific case. Always follow your dentist’s detailed post-op instructions. Call your dentist if you have any concerns or experience pain, sensitivity, or other issues.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Your White Filling
Here are some additional tips for a comfortable recovery after your white filling procedure:
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your dentist to reduce discomfort.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
- Avoid very hot and cold foods/drinks until the numbness wears off.
- Don’t poke or play with the filling with your tongue as it could dislodge it.
- Avoid eating on the side with the new filling at first.
- Be gentle when brushing near the filling.
- Focus on good oral hygiene to prevent damage or decay around the restoration.
- See your dentist immediately if part of the filling chips off or falls out.
Following these self-care tips and your dentist’s instructions will give your white filling the best chance of lasting. Most importantly, allow enough time for the material to fully cure before resuming normal eating and chewing.
When to Call Your Dentist After a White Filling
You should call your dentist right away if you experience:
- Significant portion of the filling falls out
- Lingering pain or sensitivity in the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Breaking, chipping, or cracking of the filling
- A loose feeling in the filling
- Swelling, pain, redness or irritation of the gums around the tooth
Don’t delay in calling, as some issues may require an adjustment or replacement of the filling. Leaving problems unchecked could allow decay to develop underneath the filling.
Ask Your Dentist
If you have any other questions or concerns after your white filling procedure, be sure to contact your dentist’s office. It’s always better to ask and monitor the area closely in the days following treatment.
Conclusion
While white fillings have a natural appearance, you do need to take care in the first 24-48 hours while the material fully hardens. Avoid chewing, biting, and eating hard, sticky foods on the treated side. Also, brush and floss gently, don’t smoke, and avoid very hot or cold beverages. This allows the filling to properly adhere and bond to the tooth structure. With proper care following your procedure, your beautiful white filling can last for many years to come. Be diligent about follow-up visits to catch any problems early.