A new dental filling should make your tooth feel better, not worse. Yet the first 48 hours after treatment are the time when things can go right or wrong fast.
Think of your fresh filling like wet cement—it’s placed, shaped, and polished in the office, but it continues to harden and bond to your tooth long after you go home. Eating the wrong foods during this time can lead to sharp sensitivity, biting pain, or even damage to the new filling.
Most patients notice small symptoms at first: a quick zing from a cold drink, light soreness when chewing, or a strange feeling when air hits the tooth. These reactions are normal, and the good news is that you can control them by choosing the right foods.
This guide shows you what to avoid, what to eat, and how to get through the next 48 hours without stress. Follow the soft diet plan and you’ll protect your filling, stay comfortable, and give your tooth the best chance to heal the right way.
Your new filling is still getting strong, and certain foods can bother it or even damage it. For the next two days, choose your meals carefully. Use this easy list to stay safe:
Sticking to this list for 48 hours helps your filling bond well and keeps your mouth comfortable as you heal.
Download: 48-Hour Soft Diet Menu
This menu is designed to keep your filling safe while giving your tooth a calm, gentle recovery. Each meal is soft, soothing, and easy to enjoy without stress.
Have questions about your recovery or need to schedule a visit? Contact Premier Dentistry today. Our team is here to keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
A little strategy goes a long way.
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe the area and control swelling. • Use OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen if sensitivity flares up. • Resume normal eating once biting pressure feels comfortable—usually after 48 hours. • Call your dentist immediately if pain worsens, the filling feels high, or the tooth becomes extremely sensitive to heat or cold.
You handled the first 48 hours very well. Your filling is now stronger, safer, and less likely to chip or stain. This simple care steps you followed today can help your filling last for many years.
Keep this guide saved so you can use it again or share it with someone who just had a filling and needs quick advice. If you’re due for a cleaning, a check-up, or want to improve your smile, our team is ready to help. Call or text Premier Dentistry at (503) 667‐1184 or book your appointment.
We look forward to caring for your smile.
Can I drink coffee after 48 hours? Yes. Try to use a straw and rinse your mouth afterward for the first week. This helps prevent staining on your new filling.
How long until I can eat steak or nuts again? Wait at least one week before eating tough or crunchy foods. If your tooth still feels sore or sensitive, give it more time.
Are the rules different for silver (amalgam) and white fillings? Silver fillings become firm faster, usually within 24 hours. White fillings take longer to fully set and can stain more easily. Because of this, the 48-hour soft-diet rule is safest for both types.
What if I accidentally ate something hard? No need to panic. Rinse gently with warm water and see how the tooth feels. If you notice sharp pain, pressure sensitivity, or a rough spot on the tooth, contact us right away.
Keep this menu saved—it’s the same after-care guide we give our own patients to help their fillings last as long as possible.
If you’re due for a cleaning or worried about tooth sensitivity, we’re here to help.
Ready to find your dentist near me in Gresham? At Premier Dentistry, we’re excited to welcome you to our dental clinic.
Don’t wait—join the Premier Dentistry family today and experience why we’re the top Gresham dentist for new patients.