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.
Gold, amalgam, and composite fillings take about 24-48 hours to set. Ceramic fillings set immediately with the help of a blue dental light. Glass ionomers set within 3 hours of filling, but it may take 48 hours for them to feel hard.