The appointment may be over, but many patients still wonder what is normal once they leave the dental chair. After receiving a tooth-coloured filling in Mississauga, you may notice temporary numbness, a new sensation when you bite or brief sensitivity. Knowing what to expect can make the first few days easier and help you recognize when the filling should be checked.

Wait for numbness to fade

Local anesthetic can leave the lip, cheek or tongue numb for several hours. Until normal feeling returns, take care with hot drinks and chewing so you do not burn or bite the area by accident. Children may need supervision because a numb lip or cheek can feel unusual and tempting to chew.

Mild sensitivity can happen

A restored tooth may be temporarily sensitive to cold, heat, sweetness or biting pressure. The sensation should generally become less noticeable rather than intensify. The depth of the original cavity, the condition of the tooth and the way your bite meets can all affect how the tooth feels afterward.

What if the filling feels high?

Once freezing wears off, you may notice that the treated tooth touches before the others. A filling that interferes with your normal bite can feel tender when chewing and may not settle on its own. Contact the dental office; a dentist can assess the bite and make an adjustment if appropriate.

Eating and caring for the restored tooth

Composite resin is designed to match the colour of natural teeth and can be used on front or back teeth. Follow the specific instructions provided at your appointment. Continue brushing with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth daily. Avoid using teeth to open packages or biting very hard objects, which can damage both natural tooth structure and restorations.

Fillings still need to be monitored. At routine exams, the dentist can check the margins, surrounding tooth and bite. The lifespan of a restoration varies, so a promise that every filling will last for a particular number of years would not account for cavity size, tooth position, grinding habits, diet and home care.

Reasons to contact the office

Call if pain is severe, swelling develops, the filling breaks or comes out, the tooth hurts every time you bite, or sensitivity is persistent or worsening. These symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves; an examination is the right way to determine whether the tooth needs an adjustment or further care.

Book an appointment: Happy Tooth Dental welcomes patients at 3043 Hurontario Street in Mississauga. For questions after a tooth-coloured filling in Mississauga, or to request an assessment, call 905-803-4444 or visit our Dental Filling service page.