After your filling, you may feel numb for a while—this is completely normal and can vary from person to person. While you’re numb, just be mindful not to accidentally bite your tongue, cheek, or lip.

It’s also common to have some mild jaw or gum soreness after your procedure. Warm saltwater rinses or StellaLife gel (available in our office) can help you feel more comfortable. If the soreness lasts more than a few days, give us a call and we’ll be happy to check on the status of your healing. 

Some temporary sensitivity is normal, especially with deeper fillings. This usually improves on its own over time, often within days or a few weeks. If the sensitivity doesn’t improve or becomes uncomfortable, please let us know so we can help.

Because it’s harder to tell how your bite feels while you’re numb, a filling may sometimes feel a little “high” once the numbness wears off. If that happens, just contact us—we can easily adjust it to keep your bite comfortable. Leaving fillings high for too long can cause tooth pain or sensitivity to chewing, cold, and heat.