All I'm trying to do is figure out the heighth of the platform I will need to build to install a new shower stall. Oh and Marlin, I said that a hole was not an option for many reasons. Number one on that list is not wanting to turn a $3,000 job into a $30,000 job.
In brief: Generally.. As far as the filling itself goes, you can eat right away with tooth colored composite fillings, but should wait at least one hour with amalgam (silver) fillings. It's always best you ask your own dentist as this can vary somewhat based upon the size and location of the filling.
Depending on the type of material which was used for the filling, your dentist may advise against chewing gum and other sticky foods like chewy caramel or taffy. When your dentist uses silver for the filling, it takes time for the filling to harden completely. Chewing too much could result in a poor fit.