Questions about getting my cavities filled(any dentists in the house?)

Question

Alright, so today i got six cavities filled on one side of my mouth, i got the anesthetic at about 8 in the morning and it went away at about 4 or 5 in the afternoon, is that a normal time?

Also, my mouth feels wierd, like my teeth aren't touching at the right place, why is that? And if i need it to get fixed, do i really need to because it dosen't seen to do any harm anally don't want to get that big long needle in my mouth again it freaks me out.

And, About how long does your mouth feel sore after geeting filling because I'm getting a few more filled tomarrow and i really hope it dosen't hurt.

If it does hurt for a long time is there somemedicine i can take or something i can do to help it?

Thank you for your time, and your answers are truly valued.

Answer 1

Not a dentist, but I've had enough dental work to put someone through med school.  o.o

First, make sure your dentist is sensitive to your needs, and obeys your REASONABLE directives.  If you squirm and interrupt, that's irritating and counter-productive, so it behooves you both for you to be good and numb.

Light novacaine and slow work means you might recover before you're out of the chair.  Multiple shots and a quick session could leave you numb for 6+ hours.  It varies.

Next, make sure that your dentist uses a topical gel preparation before the shot.  Some skimp...if yours does, and it's a big office, you might want to consider switching to another dentist.  If it's just him, ask, or consider changing.  Now, the topical is a fruity jelly that numbs your gums so that you don't feel the needle.  Let that set before the needle, which you shouldn't have to see or feel.  If you does the "shake" with the needle, that helps more to distract the nerves from any sensation.

Next, make sure you're getting good material for the filling.  If you can afford composite, it doesn't last as long as amalgam (the silver stuff), but it doens't contain mercury, which I'm not a fan of having in my mouth.

After the filling, the doc should use something like little squares of carbon paper to test the bite surfaces.  If he does the "tap tap tap, now grind" thing, you're in business, and the weird sensation might just be the adjustment to the strange, nerveless material in your mouth.  Your tognue is the most freaked out, feeling something that doesn't feel back.  That will last for two or three days until your tongue adjusts.  Believe me...I have some crowns, and I'm long since used to them.

If the doctor didn't do the carbon paper/tap tap tap thing, then when you go back, if you still have the weird sensations, tell him so and ask for a bite surface check and possible adjustment.  If he finds that there is a little too much material, he can shape it back with the drill so that it's comfortable for you.  Remind him to do this with the new fillings as well.

Fillings rarely require such extensive work or cause such pain as to require meds afterward.  More likely, if you have work near the gumline, the gum may be damaged or irritated.  If that happens, just take a Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and you'll be fine.

The needle is the needle.  Close your eyes and deal with it.  It's much more your friend than med-free fillings, I assure you (though there are dudes like Navy Seals that get all their dental work done WITHOUT PAIN KILLER to learn to deal with pain, so it's not fatal).

And I'm glad that it "didn't seem to do any harm anally..."  Cause if it did, punkin, you need a new dentist!!!  O.O

Good luck!