Dental Fillings
Fillings are placed in areas of the tooth that has been damaged by decay. Usually fillings require a local anesthesia to numb the area so that the patient does not feel any discomfort.
Home Care after Dental Fillings
If an anesthetic was used to numb your mouth for a filling, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after your appointment. Avoid chewing and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has worn off. Children should be monitored closely while the mouth is numb so they they do not chew their cheeks or tongue because their mouth “feels funny.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Once the numbness has worn off, you many eat, drink, and chew normally. A soft diet is not required, but it may help to get used the feeling of your new fillings.
The numbness from anesthesia typically wears off within several hours. Call our office if you have any persistent pain, if your bite feels uneven, or for any other questions or concerns.
