A cavity filling is a routine dental procedure designed to restore a tooth damaged by decay. During this process, a dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue and then fills the space with a restorative material. This treatment helps prevent further damage and maintains oral health. It is normal to experience various sensations as your mouth adjusts to the new filling, and understanding these can help manage the recovery process.
What to Expect Immediately After
Immediately after a cavity filling, the most noticeable sensation will likely be the lingering effects of the local anesthesia. This numbing agent can affect areas like the lips, tongue, and cheek, making them feel swollen or unusual. Numbness typically lasts for a few hours, ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the type and amount of anesthetic used. It is important to avoid chewing or biting on the numb tissues during this time to prevent accidental injury, as you might not feel it. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, a temporary feeling of pressure or mild soreness around the treated tooth is common.
Common Sensitivities and Their Duration
After the initial numbness subsides, it is common to experience various sensitivities in the newly filled tooth. These can include a sharp, temporary sensation when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, air, or sweet foods. Sensitivity can also occur when biting down or chewing, particularly if the filling is slightly high. These sensitivities arise because the filling procedure can irritate the tooth’s nerve, especially if the decay was deep or close to the pulp. The heat and vibration from drilling can also contribute to temporary inflammation of the pulp.
The duration of these sensitivities varies. Most mild sensitivity typically resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks. For deeper fillings, this period might extend up to two to four weeks as the nerve heals and the tooth adjusts. If the filling interferes with your bite, the sensitivity when chewing might persist until the bite is adjusted. Referred pain, where discomfort is felt in other teeth, can also occur but usually subsides within one to two weeks.
Caring for Your New Filling
Care for your new filling begins immediately after the procedure. It is advisable to wait until the local anesthesia completely wears off before eating or drinking to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Once sensation returns, initially choose soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the filled tooth for the first few hours or even a day. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods should be avoided for a few days, as they can potentially dislodge or damage the new filling. Carbonated drinks and highly acidic foods should also be limited due to their potential to affect the filling material or increase sensitivity.
Good oral hygiene is important for the longevity of your filling. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss gently around the newly filled tooth daily to remove plaque and food particles, taking care not to apply excessive force. Rinsing with an antiseptic or fluoride-containing mouthwash can further aid in cleanliness and sensitivity reduction.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort is normal after a cavity filling, certain signs indicate contacting your dentist. Contact your dentist if you experience severe or worsening pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers, or if pain significantly hinders eating. Persistent sensitivity beyond the expected two to four weeks, especially if sharp or throbbing, also warrants a dental visit.
Other concerning symptoms include swelling around the treated tooth or gums, a foul odor, or a general feeling of being unwell, which could suggest an infection. Although rare, signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching or significant swelling, should prompt immediate contact. If the filling feels loose, uneven, falls out, or if you notice sharp edges, contact your dentist promptly for an evaluation.