Before you arrive
Eat a normal meal and drink water, the appointment is short and your mouth will be numb afterward, so a full stomach beforehand is more comfortable. Bring a list of any medications. If you take blood thinners or have a heart condition, let us know in advance, it rarely changes the appointment but it's good information to have on hand.
The appointment, step by step
A typical filling appointment runs 30–60 minutes per tooth. Here's the sequence:
- Topical numbing gel is applied to the gum (you don't feel the injection)
- Local anesthetic is administered, full numbness takes 5–10 minutes
- A small rubber dam is sometimes placed to isolate the tooth
- The decay is removed with a high-speed drill or laser
- The cavity is cleaned, etched, and primed for bonding
- Composite is placed in thin layers, each cured with a blue light
- The filling is shaped, polished, and your bite is checked and adjusted
How it feels
The injection is the most uncomfortable part, and it's not very uncomfortable. After that, the procedure itself is pressure and vibration, not pain. You can request a break at any time. Some patients listen to music or a podcast with their own earbuds; we encourage it.
If you're nervous, tell us before we start. We can use slower techniques, more frequent check-ins, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for an additional fee.
After the appointment
Numbness lasts 1–3 hours. Avoid chewing on that side until it wears off, biting a numb cheek or lip is the most common post-visit complaint, especially in kids. You can eat normally as soon as numbness wears off; composite fillings are fully cured at the chair.
Mild sensitivity to cold for a few days is normal. Persistent pain, sharp pain on biting, or pain that's getting worse after the first week deserves a follow-up call, sometimes the bite needs a small adjustment.
Cost and insurance
Most PPO plans cover composite fillings as a basic service (typically 70–80% after deductible). We verify your benefits before your appointment and give you a written estimate so there are no surprises at checkout.
After your filling: the next 24 hours
Most patients are surprised by how routine a filling appointment is. You'll feel normal within an hour or two of leaving, but the first 24 hours have a few small things worth knowing:
- Numbness from local anesthetic wears off in 2 to 4 hours; avoid chewing on that side until sensation fully returns
- Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure is normal for a few days as the tooth re-acclimates
- If your bite feels 'high' on the new filling after numbness wears off, call us, we'll adjust it in five minutes
- Sharp pain that lingers more than a week, or that wakes you at night, isn't normal and warrants a follow-up
Questions about your specific case?
Every patient's mouth is different. The article above covers the general principles, for a personalized recommendation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sidhu.
