Dental onlays and inlays are durable, custom-made restorations designed to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage. These restorations not only restore strength and function but also blend seamlessly with your natural smile. While onlays and inlays are strong, caring for themespecially right after placementis key to ensuring their long-lasting success.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we guide every patient through their recovery process. This comprehensive guide covers your safe eating plan post dental onlay or inlay placement, helping you avoid discomfort, protect your restoration, and promote a smooth adjustment period.
Why Diet Matters After Onlay or Inlay Placement
Immediately after your procedure, your teeth and gums are adjusting to the new restoration. Choosing the right foods protects:
The integrity of the onlay or inlay while the bonding material fully sets.
The tooth structure from undue pressure.
Your gums from irritation or soreness if the area is still sensitive.
What to Expect Right After Onlay or Inlay Placement
Numbness: Local anesthesia may leave your lips, tongue, or cheek numb for a few hours.
Mild soreness or pressure sensitivity: Common for the first 2448 hours.
Bite adjustments: If the onlay or inlay feels high, contact McLevin Dental Clinic for a simple correction.
Safe Eating Plan First 24 Hours
1. Wait Until Numbness Wears Off
Avoid eating until the numbness fully subsides to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip.
2. Stick to Soft Foods
Soft, non-chewy, and non-sticky foods protect the new restoration while it stabilizes.
Recommended foods:
Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Smoothies (without straws)
Scrambled eggs
Soups (lukewarm)
Applesauce
3. Avoid Chewing on the Treated Side
If possible, chew on the opposite side for 2448 hours to minimize pressure on the new restoration.
Foods to Avoid for the First Few Days
Hard foods: Nuts, hard candies, raw vegetables.
Sticky foods: Caramel, gum, toffee.
Crunchy foods: Chips, popcorn, crusty bread.
Chewy meats or dense foods: Steak or overly tough items.
Extremely hot or cold items: These can trigger temporary sensitivity.
Safe Eating Plan After 48 Hours
As the tooth adapts and sensitivity reduces, you can slowly reintroduce a wider range of foods:
Continue avoiding excessively sticky, chewy, or hard foods for at least 57 days.
Softer meats like fish or shredded chicken are appropriate.
Soft cooked vegetables, pasta, and rice are ideal for balanced nutrition without putting stress on the restoration.
Long-Term Food Considerations for Onlays and Inlays
1. Limit Hard and Crunchy Foods Long-Term
While onlays and inlays are strong, avoid frequent chewing of:
Ice
Hard candies
Popcorn kernels
These can cause fractures in both natural teeth and restorations.
2. Avoid Excessive Sticky Foods
While occasional treats are okay, sticky substances can loosen restorations over time.
3. Cut Food into Smaller Pieces
Reducing the force needed to chew protects your teeth and prolongs the life of your onlay or inlay.
4. Maintain a Balanced, Tooth-Friendly Diet
Eat plenty of:
Calcium-rich foods (yogurt, cheese, leafy greens) to support enamel health.
Vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables (soft-cooked or ripe).
Protein for tissue repair and strength.
Hydration and Oral Health
Drink plenty of water with meals to aid in cleaning the mouth naturally.
Limit acidic beverages like soda, citrus juices, and alcohol, as they can weaken enamel around the restoration.
When to Contact McLevin Dental Clinic
Call us if you experience:
Persistent discomfort when biting after 23 days.
A sensation that the onlay or inlay feels high or uneven.
Sharp pain when chewing.
The restoration feels loose, cracked, or falls off.
Early adjustments prevent further damage and ensure lasting comfort.
Long-Term Maintenance for Onlays and Inlays
Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss carefully every day, paying attention to the edges where the restoration meets your natural tooth.
Consider using a water flosser for easier cleaning around the margins.
Attend regular dental cleanings every 6 months, or as recommended.
Protect Your Restoration for Years to Come
Dental onlays and inlays are designed to restore and protect teeth for many years. Following a thoughtful eating plan right after placementand practicing ongoing careensures the longevity and success of your dental investment.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we are here to help you enjoy your restored smile with comfort, confidence, and lasting durability.
Schedule Your Post-Treatment Check-Up Today
Have questions about eating after your onlay or inlay placement or need a follow-up check? Contact McLevin Dental Clinic today to schedule your visit. Our experienced dental team is always ready to help you maintain a healthy, comfortable, and long-lasting smile.