Fillings Recovery
A tooth-colored patch for a cavity. Here’s what the numbness and sensitivity look like, upper or lower.
The Full Guide
A filling is like patching a pothole. Decayed tooth structure is removed and the resulting space is filled back in with a tooth-colored composite material, restoring the tooth's shape and function. If decay is too extensive for a filling alone, an Inlay or Onlay or a Crown may be recommended instead.
Treating a cavity while it's still filling-sized is faster, less expensive, and preserves more of your natural tooth than waiting until it grows into something that needs a bigger restoration.
Noticed a spot of sensitivity or a visible cavity and haven't been in? Book a consultation and we'll take a look.
No special prep needed beyond a normal meal, since you'll be numb for a few hours afterward.
Local anesthetic numbs the area before we begin. For upper teeth, numbness is usually limited to the cheek, lip, and gum near the tooth. Lower back teeth typically require a "block" injection, which numbs an entire side of the lower jaw. Lip, chin, and often the tongue, not just the tooth being worked on.
Decay is removed with a dental drill (you'll hear it, but you shouldn't feel it), the cavity is cleaned and prepped, and composite filling material is placed in thin layers and hardened with a curing light. Your bite is checked and adjusted so the filling doesn't feel high.
Still numb. Avoid hot drinks and chewing on that side to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue without realizing it. This is especially important after a lower jaw block, since the tongue is numb too. Set a mental (or literal) timer and don't eat until you can pinch your lip and actually feel it. Kids especially should be watched closely during this window.
Mild sensitivity to cold, sweets, or pressure is common. Think of it as the tooth being "bruised" from the drilling.
Sensitivity should gradually fade. Deeper fillings, closer to the nerve, can take up to a couple weeks to fully settle.
Chew normally once numbness is gone. If the filling feels high or your bite feels off, that's an easy quick adjustment. Don't try to "wear it down" yourself.
sensitivity is getting worse instead of better over time, your bite still feels off after a few days, numbness persists beyond 8–12 hours, or you notice you've bitten or injured your tongue, cheek, or lip while numb.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance. Your treating doctor's specific instructions for your individual case always take priority over anything written here. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out.
General & preventative care
Questions about your recovery?
We're always happy to talk through anything that feels uncertain. Never hesitate to call.