Tooth filling numbing
Local anaesthetic for a filling temporarily blocks nerve signals so the dentist can remove decay and restore the tooth with less sensation.
The short answer
Numbing for a filling is local anaesthesia that temporarily blocks nerve signals around the tooth.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The dentist may apply topical gel, inject local anaesthetic near the supplying nerve, confirm numbness, remove decay, clean the cavity, place a restoration, and check the bite.
What can you do next?
Do not chew hot food or bite the numb cheek, lip, or tongue until feeling returns. Contact the practice if numbness lasts unexpectedly long or the filling feels high.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek review for increasing swelling, breathing difficulty after an injection, persistent severe pain, or a filling that changes your bite.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which anaesthetic and filling material will be used, and tell the dentist about allergies, medicines, pregnancy, and prior reactions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does numbness last?
It varies with the anaesthetic, site, dose, and individual response.
Can I eat after a filling?
Wait until normal feeling returns before chewing.