It's best to wait a day or two before swimming after getting a filling, but at a bare minimum, wait until the anesthesia has completely worn off.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Anesthesia: The primary reason to wait is the lingering effect of anesthesia. While numb, you might not be able to feel if you're accidentally biting your cheek or tongue while swimming, or if something is irritating the filling site.
-
Healing Time: Although fillings harden almost immediately, the area around the filling needs time to heal. Chlorine in pools or bacteria in natural bodies of water could potentially irritate the gums and delay healing. Waiting a day or two minimizes this risk.
-
Potential Discomfort: Even if the filling itself is stable, the gums and surrounding tissues might be sensitive. Swimming, especially in cold water, could exacerbate this sensitivity.
-
Best Practice: While the anesthesia wearing off is the absolute minimum, waiting 24-48 hours is advisable for optimal healing and to avoid potential complications. The longer you allow the area to heal before exposing it to potential irritants, the better.
In summary, while swimming immediately after the anesthesia wears off might be okay, waiting a day or two is the more prudent approach to ensure proper healing and avoid any potential discomfort or complications.
