How Long After a Filling Can You Eat?

Having a dental filling is one of the most common procedures carried out in general dentistry. Whether the filling has been placed to treat decay, repair a small chip, or replace an old restoration, one of the most frequent questions patients ask afterwards is: how long should I wait before eating? The answer depends on the type of filling material used, and understanding the difference can help you protect your new restoration and avoid unnecessary discomfort.

This guide explains the recommended waiting times for different types of fillings, outlines which foods to approach with care in the hours and days following treatment, and provides practical aftercare advice to help your filling last as long as possible.

How Long Should You Wait to Eat After a Filling?

The waiting time depends on the type of filling material used and what you plan to eat or drink. Below is a practical breakdown.

Composite (White) Fillings — Waiting Times by Food Type

Composite fillings are hardened instantly using a curing light during the procedure, so the filling itself is fully set before you leave the chair. However, your mouth will still be numb from the local anaesthetic, which typically takes 1 to 3 hours to wear off. You should wait until full sensation returns before eating or drinking anything.

Once the numbness has gone, here are the recommended waiting times:

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam fillings, which are still used in some dental practices, take considerably longer to set. The material can take up to 24 hours to fully harden, so dentists who place amalgam fillings typically recommend waiting at least 1 to 2 hours before eating anything soft, and avoiding chewing directly on the filled tooth for the remainder of the day.

What Do White Fillings and Composite Bonding Look Like?

One of the key advantages of modern composite resin is that it can be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth, producing results that blend seamlessly. Below are real patient examples from our clinic showing the difference that white fillings and composite bonding can make.

White Filling — Dr Kamran Yazdi

Before

After

Natural-looking white composite fillings by Dr Kamran Yazdi • Individual results may vary

Composite Bonding — Dr Kamran Yazdi

Before

After

Front teeth composite bonding by Dr Kamran Yazdi • Individual results may vary

What Are the Best Foods to Eat After a Filling?

In the first 24 hours after having a filling placed, choosing the right foods can help protect the restoration and reduce the likelihood of sensitivity. There are no strict dietary rules, but sticking to gentle options makes the recovery period more comfortable.

Recommended Foods for the First 24 Hours

• Porridge or oatmeal — soft, warm, and gentle on teeth
• Scrambled eggs — easy to chew with no hard edges
• Soup (lukewarm, not hot) — nourishing without placing pressure on the filling
• Yoghurt — cool, smooth, and requires no chewing
• Mashed potato or sweet potato — soft and filling
• Smoothies or protein shakes — a good option if chewing feels uncomfortable
• Pasta with a soft sauce — easy to eat on the opposite side
• Banana, avocado, or soft-cooked vegetables

Foods and Drinks to Avoid for at Least 24 Hours

• Very hot drinks — may trigger sensitivity or discomfort around the treated tooth
• Ice-cold beverages or ice cream — cold can cause sharp sensitivity near the new filling
• Nuts, hard sweets, crusty bread, or raw carrots — excessive force can stress the bond
• Toffee, caramel, or chewing gum — sticky foods can pull on or displace a filling
• Crisps, popcorn, or hard crackers — uneven pressure on the restoration
• Citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, or vinegar-based foods — acidity can irritate the area

If possible, try to chew on the opposite side of the mouth for the first day or so. This reduces the direct forces on the new filling and allows the bonding to settle. After 24 hours, most patients find they can return to their normal diet without any issues.

Is Sensitivity After a Filling Normal?

Yes, some degree of sensitivity following a filling is common and usually temporary. You may notice mild discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet items, or when biting down on the treated tooth. This sensitivity occurs because the procedure involves removing decay and preparing the tooth, which can temporarily irritate the nerve within the tooth.

In most cases, post-filling sensitivity settles within a few days to two weeks. If the sensitivity persists beyond this period, worsens over time, or is accompanied by throbbing pain, it is advisable to contact your dentist. Persistent symptoms may indicate that the filling requires adjustment — for example, if the bite is slightly high — or, less commonly, that further treatment may be needed.

How to Care for a New Filling

A well-placed filling, properly cared for, can last for many years. The longevity of a filling depends on factors including the material used, the size and location of the restoration, your bite, and your daily oral hygiene habits. The following aftercare steps can help protect your new filling and support good long-term outcomes.

Maintain a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine

Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes. Paying attention to the margins of the filling — where the restoration meets the natural tooth — helps prevent plaque accumulation and reduces the risk of secondary decay developing around the filling over time.

Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth to open packaging, tear tape, or bite nails places unnecessary stress on your fillings and natural teeth alike. These habits can cause chips, cracks, or premature failure of a restoration.

Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth — a habit known as bruxism — the repeated forces can wear down fillings more quickly than normal use. If you suspect you grind your teeth, particularly at night, mention this to your dentist. A custom-made night guard may be recommended to help protect both your fillings and your natural teeth.

Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Routine dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your fillings and detect any early signs of wear, cracking, or recurrent decay. Identifying issues early often means simpler and less invasive treatment, compared to waiting until a filling fails or symptoms develop.

Composite Fillings and Composite Bonding: What Is the Difference?

Patients sometimes ask whether a composite filling is the same as composite bonding. Whilst both treatments use composite resin material, they serve different purposes.

A composite filling is a restorative treatment designed to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. The primary aim is to restore the tooth's structure and function. Composite bonding, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of teeth — for example, by closing small gaps, reshaping uneven edges, or masking discolouration. The bonding process involves carefully sculpting and layering composite resin onto the tooth surface to achieve a natural-looking aesthetic result.

Both treatments use similar materials and are hardened with a curing light, meaning the eating guidelines after either procedure are broadly comparable. However, the aftercare advice for composite bonding may include additional recommendations around staining — for instance, avoiding highly pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and curry for the first 48 hours after treatment.

When Should You Contact Your Dentist After a Filling?

Whilst most fillings settle without any complications, there are certain situations where contacting your dental practice is advisable:

• Your bite feels uneven or the filling feels higher than the surrounding teeth
• Sensitivity persists or worsens after two weeks
• You experience sharp or throbbing pain in the treated tooth
• The filling feels rough, has a sharp edge, or part of the filling appears to have come away
• You notice increased sensitivity to pressure when biting down

A slightly high filling is one of the most common post-treatment issues and is usually straightforward to resolve. Your dentist can check the bite and make a minor adjustment, which typically provides immediate relief. If you are in any doubt about whether your symptoms are normal, contacting the practice for advice is always a reasonable step.

Summary

How long you should wait to eat after a filling depends primarily on the type of material used. Composite fillings are set immediately by a curing light and are ready to use once the anaesthetic has worn off — typically within one to three hours. Amalgam fillings require a longer setting time, and it is generally recommended to avoid chewing on the treated side for the remainder of the day.

Regardless of the filling type, starting with soft, lukewarm foods, avoiding sticky or hard items for the first 24 hours, and chewing on the opposite side of the mouth can help protect the new restoration. Some sensitivity following a filling is normal and usually resolves within a few days to two weeks. If discomfort persists, worsens, or your bite feels uneven, arranging a follow-up with your dentist is a sensible step.

Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding excessive force on your teeth are the most effective ways to help your fillings last for many years.