A dental filling restores tooth structure lost to decay. While the major work is complete when you leave the office, the success of the restoration depends on proper aftercare. The treated tooth and surrounding tissues need time to adjust and heal. Understanding the temporary sensations and restrictions that follow a filling ensures comfort and the longevity of the restoration.
Navigating Numbness and Initial Restrictions
A local anesthetic is used to ensure comfort during the procedure. The anesthetic typically takes between one and three hours to completely wear off, leaving the lip, cheek, and tongue without feeling. Avoid chewing or eating anything until full sensation returns to prevent accidentally biting the soft tissues of the mouth.
Avoid extremely hot liquids, as the lack of feeling prevents you from gauging the temperature, which could result in a burn. Once the numbness fades, begin with a soft diet, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. For the first 24 hours, chew primarily on the side of the mouth opposite the new filling to prevent undue pressure on the restoration while it settles.
Understanding and Addressing Post-Filling Sensitivity
It is common to experience sensitivity in the days and weeks following a filling, which is usually a sign of the tooth’s nerve recovering. The drilling and cleaning process can cause minor irritation or inflammation in the dental pulp, the inner part of the tooth containing the nerve. This temporary irritation often manifests as a sharp, fleeting pain when the tooth is exposed to cold temperatures, hot foods, or sweet substances.
This sensitivity typically subsides within a few days to two weeks, as the tooth adjusts to the new filling material. To manage this discomfort, avoid extreme temperature changes in food and drinks, opting for lukewarm or room-temperature items. Switching to a desensitizing toothpaste can also help, as these products contain compounds that block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
Sensitivity may also occur when biting down, which can indicate that the filling is slightly “high” and is taking too much pressure. If the bite feels uneven or if there is discomfort when chewing, the dentist can easily smooth and adjust the filling’s surface, which often provides immediate relief. If the cavity was particularly deep and close to the nerve, the healing process may take longer, sometimes up to four weeks, before the sensitivity completely resolves.
When to Seek Professional Attention
While temporary sensitivity is normal, certain signs may indicate a complication that requires professional evaluation. Severe or sharp pain that persists, instead of gradually improving over the course of a few days to a week, is a primary reason to seek attention. This persistent discomfort, especially if it affects sleep or requires continuous pain medication, may signal deeper nerve irritation.
Contact your dental office immediately if the filling feels loose, chipped, or completely falls out, as this leaves the prepared tooth vulnerable to bacteria and damage. Signs of infection, such as swelling in the gum tissue or face near the treated tooth, or the presence of pus, also require prompt evaluation. If sensitivity lasts longer than four weeks, have the tooth re-examined to rule out issues like an uneven bite or deeper pulp inflammation.