Can I drink coffee after a filling?

This blog post will answer the question, “ can I drink coffee after a filling?”and will cover the following topics: what is a filling?What happens during the procedure?What are the types of fillings available?How long do fillings last?Can I drink tea after a filling?Brushing Teeth After Filling, Can You Smoke After a Filling? How long after a filling can I eat? Variables that can affect eating after a filling, Can I drink water after filling?What Not to Do After Getting a Filling?Tips for eating after a filling, What causes tooth sensitivity after a filling?How to Handle Sensitive Teeth After a Filling? 

Can I drink coffee after filling?

No, you cannot drink coffee after a filling for at least 2 hours. As the process of dental filling involves injecting anesthesia, the operative remains numb for a longer period of time and so you may not be able to judge the temperature of coffee and could end up burning your mouth. 

Also as the filling material is composed of different metals and substances, hot beverages such as coffee could change the dimensions of the filling. This could result in fracture or dislodgement of the dental filling.

What is a dental filling?

Dental filling is a common procedure done by a dentist to restore a decayed tooth.

A black discolouration occurs on the surface of a tooth due to the acid produced by the bacteria in the mouth leading to a tooth decay. A dentist removes the decayed part and “fills” it with a dental filling so that the tooth can regain its normal shape and function.

What happens during the procedure?

Dental filling is a simple procedure involving the following steps:

•  A topical anesthesia is applied on the operative site in a form of gel or spray.

• After the operative site is anesthetized, a local anesthesia is injected in order to anesthetize the nerves surrounding the tooth.

• As the area is fully anesthetized after 2-5 mins, the dentist uses a drilling equipment to drill a hole on the tooth surface by removing the decayed part.

• The hole prepared is filled with the appropriate filling material and the natural shape of the tooth is restored.

What are the types of fillings available?

A variety of dental filling materials are available these days. Each of these have distinct properties and their pros and cons.

Amalgam filling

Amalgam filling is a silver/grey coloured filling composed of mercury, silver, tin, copper and other metals. The setting time is  longer for amalgam filling, which is usually 24-hours. Amalgam dental filling is relatively less expensive and has a good durability. These types of fillings are less common these days as they are easily visible and can wreck up a person’s appearance. 

Composite filling

Composite fillings are  tooth-coloured and are made up of resin, quartz and glass. During the procedure of a composite filling, the dentist cures the filling with UV light at the end. This hardens the filling immediately, and one can eat or drink immediately after the procedure. However , the dentist recommends waiting for at least 2-hours so that the anesthesia can wear off completely. Composite dental fillings are more common these days as they give a natural looking appearance. They are more expensive when compared to amalgam fillings but also have a good durability

Ceramic filling

These are composed of porcelain and are more resistant and durable than the composite filling. Ceramic fillings are the most natural looking and hence the most popular. They are also more expensive than others.

Gold filling

Gold fillings are composed of gold, copper and other metals. These are very durable but due to their appearance they are not very popular. These are made in labs after the dentist takes an impression of your tooth, thus involving multiple visits.

Glass ionomer fillings

These are also tooth-coloured but are not very durable. They are made up of acrylic and a glass containing fluoride. These are often used for children.

How long do fillings last?

The life of a dental filling is highly dependent on your oral hygiene. If you maintain good oral hygiene dental fillings can last for years and even decades.

Other factors like the filling material also plays a vital role as different materials have different durability. Amalgam can last upto 25 years while composite can last upto 15 years. Gold fillings can last upto 20 years.

Can I drink tea after a filling?

Drinking tea is not advised immediately after a filling. Drinking any hot beverage right after a filling can burn your mouth due to the prolonged effects of anesthesia and sometimes they can even change the properties of the filling material by either causing expansion or shrinkage. 

Change in the dimensions can lead to a filling fracture or displacement. Hence, it is recommended to wait for at least 1-2 hours before having a hot beverage. 

Brushing Teeth After Filling

You should not brush your teeth right after getting a filling done. Normal brushing routine should be followed after 1-2 hours, however brushing harshly should be avoided as it can cause abrasion and tooth sensitivity.

Can you smoke after a filling?

It is okay to smoke after a few hours of filling. Although, the long term side effects of smoking should be always kept in mind which includes cavity/tooth decay and various kinds of oral cancers.

How long after a filling can I eat?

It is preferably advised to wait for about 1-2 hours before eating anything after a dental filling. Even though the patient can eat after 2 hours, a soft diet is recommended for a period of 24 hours. This is to minimize pain and discomfort and also to allow the tooth and surrounding tissues to heal properly.

Variables that can affect eating after a filling

Local anesthetic

The effect of local anesthesia continues for about 1-2 hours and it is recommended to avoid eating for that period of time.

Post – operative discomfort 

Some people can feel uneasy or discomfort after the procedure which is totally normal. This can affect your appetite making you feel nauseous and less hungry.

Gum tissue discomfort 

Sometimes gum tissues can get inflamed or irritated during the procedure of filing which may even lead to pain and swelling. Warm saline rinses are recommended for resolving such an issue.

Sensitivity 

Teeth can become sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks. This can last for a few days to a week, therefore it is best to avoid extremely hot and cold foods.

Different bite 

As the dental filling material is a new part of your tooth surface, you may feel different when biting or chewing. However, it is a temporary discomfort and you will eventually adapt to the filling within a few days. 

Can I drink water after filling?

Yes, you can drink water right after a composite filling, but waiting for 1-2 hours is preferably a good idea. 

What Not to Do After Getting a Filling?

Avoid eating hard foods

Hard food can put strain on the newly restored tooth leading the filling to chip off or fracture.

Avoid chewy food

Foods that require more chewing or are sticky can cause pain and discomfort and can sometimes lead to swelling.

Don’t touch your filling

Avoid touching your filling with your tongue or hands as it can lead to displacement of the filling, if it hasn’t set properly.

Don’t ignore the pain

Mild pain and discomfort is normal, however if you experience extreme or lasting pain you should consult your dentist urgently. 

Tips for eating after a filling

A soft and light diet is recommended for 24-48 hours after the filling, so that the tooth and tissues can heal properly. A soft diet can include foods like oats, yogurt, soup, juices, rice, eggs, porridge, milk etc.Foods that are hard, chewy, sticky should be avoided.

You should eat as slowly you feel to minimize pain and discomfort. Also sugary foods should also be avoided as they can trigger sensitivity.    

What causes tooth sensitivity after a filling?

Tooth sensitivity can happen due to various reasons after a filling.

Allergy 

Some people can have an allergic reaction to the metals present in the filling. This can lead to irritation and sometimes even inflammation. In such cases you should contact your dentist and get a new filling with a different composition immediately. 

Pulp inflammation 

Pulp is a mass of connective tissue present in the centre of a tooth. Sometimes while removing the decayed part of  the tooth surface the drill due to friction produces heat which can inflame the pulp leading to a condition called pulpitis. This can create sensitivity in the teeth. Moreover if the sensitivity persists, you may have to undergo a root canal treatment.

Different bite

A change in the occlusion due to the dental filling often causes sensitivity. This usually goes away within a few days as you become more acquainted with the filling.

How to Handle Sensitive Teeth After a Filling? 

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue faced after a filling. It can be managed by following some simple measures:

• chew from the other side of the mouth for a few days

• brush and floss gently especially around the filling

• avoid hot or cold food or drinks

• avoid acidic foods

• use a desensitizing toothpaste

• take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), prescribed by the dentist.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS) can I drink coffee after a filling?

Can I drink anything after a filling?

Dentists advise patients to wait for at least 1-2 hours before drinking anything after a filling.

This allows the filling material to harden and set properly

What can you not do after a filling?

You cannot eat hard, sticky food for thenect 24-hours after a filling. You are not allowed to drink or eat anything which is extremely hot or cold. You should not touch the restored tooth. Also avoid sugary food to reduce sensitivity.

How long does a filling take to heal?

Filling takes a few days to heal completely however, sensitivity can take two-three weeks to go away completely. If you experience pain or discomfort even after 2-3 days, you should contact your dentist for a follow up.

Can I go to work after a tooth filling? 

Yes , you can go to work and carry out your usual routine as tooth filling is not a very invasive procedure and you may feel just a slight discomfort and nothing more.

Why is my tooth hurting after a filling?

Mild pain and sensitivity is normal after a dental filling. But if you experience lasting or severe pain you may need to contact your dentist to find out the reason.

Other FAQs about Teeth Filling that you may be interested in.

How long after a filling can you drink tea?

Can I eat after a white filling?

What can I eat after tooth filling?

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