How Long Does Numbness Last After Dental Fillings?

How Long Does Numbness Last After Dental Fillings?

December 1, 2023

Receiving dental fillings becomes necessary at times, especially when our dentist on Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, recommends it after spotting a cavity or tooth decay. If your dentist suggests a filling after root canal treatment, it’s a way to restore or repair a cracked, broken, or worn-out tooth.

You don’t need to be anxious when you receive this diagnosis because, despite how daunting the dental procedure may sound, it’s actually quite manageable. The procedure is carried out under anesthesia to ensure your comfort and a pain-free experience.

This means you won’t feel any pain or discomfort as your dentist works on the affected tooth. This assurance should bring you some peace of mind as you prepare for this dental procedure that will preserve your smile and dental health.

Let’s delve into what you can expect during your procedure.

How It’s Done

As previously mentioned, the procedure is performed under a local anesthetic. In special cases, such as with children or individuals experiencing dental anxiety, different forms of sedation, such as general anesthesia, may be used to keep patients calm and relaxed during the procedure.

Typically, your procedure for getting tooth fillings in Vancouver at our dental center will involve the following steps:

Your dentist near Downtown Vancouver will start by applying a numbing gel to your gums, allowing it to take effect before injecting a local anesthetic into your gums. This local anesthetic will create a numbing effect, ensuring your dental procedure is pain-free.

Your dentist will then proceed to remove the decayed portion of the affected tooth using specialized tools and drills.

The cavity created after removing the damaged area is filled using a filling of your choice. At our dental office, we offer several filling options, and our dentist will assist you in selecting one that aligns with your budget and preference while also ensuring it’s durable.

The filling is then polished to ensure it’s comfortable for you to chew and bite down as you usually would.

The procedure’s duration may vary depending on the type of filling, its location, and the extent of the decay being repaired.

What is Temporary Filling after a Root Canal?

A temporary filling after a root canal is a protective material placed in the treated tooth’s opening. It seals the canal, preventing infection and debris from entering. This provisional filling maintains tooth integrity until a permanent restoration, like a crown, is placed.

How Long Does the Numbing Effect Last After Filling?

One of the most common questions we receive from patients about undergoing a dental filling is how long the numbing effects of the local anesthesia will last after the procedure. It’s entirely understandable because most people want to know what to expect following the procedure.

While Novocaine is excellent during dental procedures, allowing patients to undergo treatment without pain, having half of your face numb for hours afterward can be disconcerting. You might have come across tips on how to expedite the fading of Novocaine’s effects through a quick online search, which often includes:

  • Engaging in approved physical activities to increase blood flow.
  • Gently massaging the numb area.
  • Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.

However, these methods may not provide significant relief and can leave you feeling tired, with a salty taste lingering in your mouth. The duration of the numbing effect can vary from patient to patient and may not be an exact science. Typically, the numbing effect of the local anesthesia administered during a cavity-filling procedure should wear off within 1 to 3 hours.

While still under the numbing effect, you might find it challenging to chew, bite, or speak properly. However, rest assured that these effects will dissipate within a few hours. Therefore, our dentist may recommend refraining from eating or drinking until the numbing effect subsides. Attempting to eat during this window might lead to accidental bites on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks, which can be uncomfortable.

It’s also easy to unconsciously touch or probe the treated area while under the numbing effect, which should be avoided to prevent potential infection, making your recovery journey more challenging.

Keep in mind that you may experience some soreness over the next few days after the procedure. In case you notice any concerning signs such as persistent swelling, increasing severe pain, severe tooth sensitivity, fever, or swollen gums, do not hesitate to contact our dentist for immediate medical attention.

For your dental filling procedure near you, please feel free to reach out to us at Phoenix Dental Implant and Invisalign Centre. We’re here to provide compassionate and professional care to meet your dental needs while ensuring your comfort and peace of mind throughout the process.

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