After Fillings

Numbness and Local Anesthesia

The local anesthetic used for a dental procedure will numb the region as few as 30 minutes or as long as 4-6 hours.
It is normal to have some discomfort at the injection site for up to 2 to 3 days.
In rare cases, topical anesthetic or local anesthetic can cause an inflammatory reaction in the soft tissue at the injection site. This most often looks like an ulcer or cold sore, but can also result in redness or more serious swelling in the area. If this happens, notify us immediately. This is rarely a true allergic reaction, but early treatment can prevent a painful sore from developing.

Sensitivity is generally considered a normal occurrence in the immediate time after decay is removed from a tooth. We use several techniques to attempt to minimize post-operative sensitivity, like using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, and sanitizing and applying a desensitizer to the tooth before placing the filling.
The deeper the cavity is into the tooth, the higher the likelihood of sensitivity after the filling is placed. Most patients return to normal sensation within one to two weeks after fillings are placed.
- If a cavity is very close to the pulp (the nerve and blood vessels in the center of the tooth), a protective layer called a “liner” is placed. You will always be notified if a liner is placed due to a deep cavity. These teeth are at a higher risk for needing further treatment due to the proximity of the decay to the pulp tissue.
The most common reason for prolonged sensitivity or pain after fillings are placed occurs when the filling material strikes first or hardest when biting and chewing on the tooth. This can keep the tooth sensitive to temperatures, chewing, brushing and flossing. If this develops, contact us so that we can examine and adjust the filling if needed.

Most modern filling materials will be fully set (hardened) by the end of your appointment.
Be extremely careful if eating or drinking while you are still numb. It is not uncommon to bite or chew a numb lip or tongue, which can be very painful when sensation returns! This is most common in young children, who often can’t help but play with the numb tissue. Keep a close eye on your little ones!
A soft diet is generally recommended immediately after fillings are placed.

If you are able to take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and Tylenol, take a dose while you are still numb. This limits inflammation and pain before the numbness wears off.
- An alternating regimen of ibuprofen and Tylenol is highly effective: Take 400-600mg ibuprofen, then 500mg Tylenol 3-4 hours later, followed by 400-600mg ibuprofen 3-4 hours after the Tylenol. Repeat as needed.
Warm salt water rinses are highly effective in easing soft tissue pain from the injection site and the gum tissue around the tooth. Mix 1 tsp of table salt in 2 cups of warm water as often as needed.
Eat a soft diet for the first day after fillings are placed.

If you notice you are unable to fully close your mouth like normal or feel that one tooth hits harder than the others, contact us for a simple bite adjustment. This is a quick visit requiring no numbing and will make sure your teeth fit and function properly.
If temperature or chewing sensitivity persists for more than a week after the procedure
If you develop significant pain from the area, especially pain that occurs without any stimulus like cold, heat or chewing
If you notice ulcerated, raw or peeling soft tissue around the area or develop swelling in the area