Swelling From Cavities?

Hello! I got two fillings on my left bottom molars on Monday it is now Thursday. I had a 3 surface deep filling and the other tooth was minor. So I'm very sensitive anyway. I have gotten tattoos that stay swollen for 4-7 days. I got 2 numbing shots those didn't work so the dentist gave me 5-6 more on both sides. That really did nothing for me!! I was in so much pain while she was working on me. She worked on me for quite a bit. So I am able to chew soft foods now which I am happy of. But my cheek is still swollen and it's very warm feverish. I hope I don't have an infection. Is this normal? If the swelling goes down when should I go back to the dentist? Thank you

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Answer: Post Op Swelling

By Sarah h
Dental Professional

Having a tooth treated for decay is traumatic to the tooth, even when the anesthetic is delivered.  The fact that you were being worked on without the nerve being sedated or numb, would cause a greater amount of trauma than normal.  When the carious lesion is deep, sometimes the nerve can be insulted and a root canal cn be necessary at some point in the future.  Post Op sensitivity is normal especially when the fillings are deep.  This means there was a large amount of decay involving 3 out of 5 surfaces of the tooth.  So it was both wide and deep.  Fillings are usually composite or amalgam.  Neither of which is a good insulator.  The sensitivity should gradually get better, if it worsens, that may be a sign the nerve is damaged.  A soft diet is okay for the first few days, however you should be able to resume to normal foods within 24 to 48 hours.  If it is painful to chew, you may need a bite adjustment.  Usually there is not a risk for an infection during fillings, however it is not impossible.  The cheek swelling could be a result of the injections, maybe some internal bruising.  If it doesnt subside within 24 to 48 hours I would advise you to go back to the dentist to ensure everything is normal and healing well. 

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