Fillings are placed in areas of the tooth that has been damaged by decay. Usually fillings require a local anesthesia to numb the area so that the patient does not feel any discomfort.

If an anesthetic was used to numb your mouth for a filling, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after your appointment. Avoid chewing and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has worn off. Children should be monitored closely while the mouth is numb so they they do not chew their cheeks or tongue because their mouth “feels funny.”