After many dental procedures, it’s best to wait awhile before eating or drinking anything. But exactly how long should you wait to get the best results possible? Well, it depends on the procedure.
Let’s take a look at certain procedures and how to decide when it’s ok to enjoy a meal or a favorite beverage.
Eating and Drinking After Dental Work: What You Should Know
To be safe, it’s best to eat something before you go to the dentist.
Here are some general guidelines on how long to wait before eating or drinking after you leave our office:
- For routine cleanings, wait at least 30 minutes, especially if we’ve applied fluoride to your teeth. This gives the fluoride a chance to absorb properly.
- For a tooth-colored filling, make sure the anesthesia has worn off so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek, or carefully chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- For a tooth extraction, it’s best to wait several hours, and then try to eat only soft foods for the first couple of days while your mouth heals.
- For dental restorations, it’s ok to eat right away or when your mouth isn’t numb anymore, but it’s best to avoid hard and sticky foods that could dislodge a crown or bridge.
Looking for Quality Dental Care in Houston, TX?
If you’re looking for a new dental home in Houston, Deerfield Village, Bear Creek Village, Pine Forest Village, Memorial, Glencairn, or Clay Meadows, you’ve come to the right place! At Total Wellness Dental, we’re accepting new patients, and we’d love to meet you and your family.
To schedule a visit with us, please call our office at (281) 463-7258.