Many patients tell us that they feel unsure about what’s normal after dental treatment. Even when everything has gone smoothly, it’s common to notice temporary changes in how your mouth feels over the following hours or days.
As Principal Dentist at tooth, I believe that understanding what to expect can make recovery more comfortable and far less worrying.
Immediately after your appointment
Depending on the treatment you’ve had, you may notice:
Lingering numbness: Local anaesthetic can last for several hours. During this time, avoid hot drinks and be careful when eating to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.
Bite feeling different: Your teeth may feel unfamiliar when biting together, particularly after fillings, crowns, or bonding. This usually settles as your bite adjusts.
Mild tenderness: The tooth or surrounding area may feel sensitive, especially to pressure or temperature. This is a normal response to dental work.
The first few days after treatment
Over the next few days, it’s common to experience:
Sensitivity to hot or cold: This often occurs after fillings, deep cleanings, or crown work. Sensitivity usually improves gradually as the tooth settles.
Jaw or muscle soreness: Keeping your mouth open during treatment can temporarily strain the jaw muscles, leading to mild aching that resolves on its own.
Heightened awareness of the treated tooth: Your brain naturally focuses on areas that have been worked on. This awareness often fades as the mouth returns to normal.
Eating and drinking after dental treatment
This is a very common question and it may vary depending on the treatment you have had. You should always check with your treating Dentist, but in most cases:
Eat once numbness has worn off
Start with softer foods if the area feels tender
Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth for the first day if advised
Avoid very hot or very cold foods if sensitivity is present
Don’t worry - all the team at tooth will always give tailored advice depending on the treatment you’ve had.
What is considered normal?
We know that you might be a bit worried after a treatment as things will feel different, but 99% of the time there is no need to worry at all. Always bear in mind that normal post-treatment symptoms usually:
Improve each day
Are mild to moderate
Settle within a few days to a week
It’s common for the mouth to need time to adapt - especially after restorative treatments (see my blog also: Why a New Filling Can Feel ‘High’ or ‘Compacted’).
When should you contact us?
Don’t ever be afraid to get in touch after a treatment if you are worried about anything - most of the time it will be linked to one of the things above, and we can happily reassure you. On rare occasions though we may need to see you for a review, so please do get in touch if you experience:
Severe or increasing pain
Pain when biting that doesn’t improve
Swelling that worsens
Difficulty opening your mouth
Symptoms that persist beyond the expected recovery period
These signs don’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but they do mean we should review things promptly.
Reassurance from your dentist
At tooth, we take a conservative, patient-first approach. The vast majority of post-treatment sensations are temporary and part of the normal healing and adjustment process.
If you’re ever unsure whether what you’re feeling is normal, we’d much rather you ask. Reassurance, advice, and review are all part of good dental care. You can get in touch by clicking on any of the buttons below.
Dr. Anna x