Cavities are among the most common dental issues that people have, and if you are someone with a toothache, there is a chance that you may have a cavity as well. The procedure for filling cavities is relatively simple and, in most cases, relatively painless. That being said, if you just got a cavity filled or you are going to have a cavity filled soon, you may be wondering whether you can eat right after the procedure, especially if you already made pressing dinner plans. Read on and speak with our New Jersey dental team to learn more.
What do dentists use to fill cavities?
Generally, there are two main types of fillings that are used to fill cavities. They are amalgam fillings and composite fillings. The difference between the two is as follows:
- Amalgam filling: Amalgam fillings are silver and typically take about 24 hours to completely harden. This means that it is generally best to avoid chewing on food for 24 hours to help ensure the filling sets properly.
- Composite filling. More people get composite fillings than amalgam fillings in recent times. These match the color of your tooth and typically harden immediately after your dentist uses a UV bluelight on your tooth, meaning that you should be able to eat right after leaving the dentist’s office. That being said, if you are numb from the numbing agent, you may have to wait a couple of hours to start eating.
You should also understand that at times, people may feel discomfort in the area that the procedure was done, which is totally normal, as long as it only lasts a couple of days. Typically, taking ibuprofen can mitigate the minor discomfort. You may also try rinsing with warm salt water to help ease the pain. You may also notice a greater sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. This should also resolve itself on its own within a couple of weeks at the most. Keep in mind that it also won’t hurt to avoid eating sticky or hard foods for a little while to help the healing process along. If you have any further questions or you believe you have a cavity that needs filling, please do not hesitate to speak with our New Jersey dental team today.
Contact The Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
