You should typically wait a short period after a filling before chewing normally, and the exact timing can depend on the filling type and numbness. Here’s a concise guide to help you decide. Direct answer
- Composite (white) fillings: Many people can eat once numbness wears off, but it's common to wait about 1–2 hours or until the numbness fully fades to avoid biting your tongue or cheek.
- Amalgam (silver) fillings: These often require a longer wait because the material takes more time to fully set; many dentists recommend avoiding chewing on the treated side for about 24 hours.
- General guidance: If you’re still numb, stick to soft foods and avoid hot, hard, or sticky items until sensation returns. After the numbness wears off, start with soft foods and gradually resume normal eating.
Practical tips
- Start with soft foods: yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, applesauce, scrambled eggs, or smooth porridge. These minimize pressure on the new filling while you re-adjust.
- Chew on the opposite side: until you’re confident the filling is fully set and your bite feels normal.
- Avoid very hot or very cold extremes for the first day or two, as the tooth may be sensitive after the procedure.
- If you received anesthetic, wait until you can feel with the treated area before applying pressure or biting into firm foods.
When to check with your dentist
- If you experience persistent sharp pain, a feeling of loose filling, or if the filling area remains numb for an unusually long time, contact your dentist for guidance.
- For deep or extensive fillings, your dentist may give you specific instructions tailored to your mouth and the filling material.
Notes on variation
- Some sources indicate immediate eating is possible with certain composites, while others advise a brief waiting period after numbness fades; always follow your dentist’s post-procedure instructions, as they’ll account for the specific material used and your numbness level.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to the exact type of filling you got and any numbness you’re experiencing—just tell me the material (composite or amalgam) and whether you still have numbness.
