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.
If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it. Several additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings and are as follows. After your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area, the tooth-colored material is applied in layers. Next, a special light that cures or hardens each layer is applied.