Had Filling Put In Molar. Started Feeling Numbness And Swelling After Injecting In Gums. Is This Normal?

Posted on Fri, 23 Nov 2012

Question: A couple days ago I had a filling put in my #2 molar. After the injection my dentist asked if I was starting to get numb. I said I was, but that it also felt tight and swollen. He said that some people think the numbness feel like swelling. The procedure was quick and painless (as always, I love my dentist.) A few hours later as the midi wore off it was clear that my cheek hurt. I also saw a tiny blue spot. I applied an ice pack. The next morning I wad VERY swollen and very blue/green/purple. I called the dentist's office, but he is out until Monday. They said it is normal. Is it? And will it get better on its own? Just a bruise?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh B. Hegde (5 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX, Thank you for the query.
Yes it is true that some people feel the numbness as swelling, at times we give hand mirror to convince them. In your case the blue/green/purple swelling which appeared on the next morning may be due to haematoma, which may be noted after local anaesthesia injection in very few cases. For that you can take Ibuprofen+ Paracetamol anti-inflammatory tablets till you XXXXXXX dentist and avoid giving ice pack. Once he checks if necessary he may prescribe antibiotics and hot fermentation. It will get better and by 5-7 days it will resolve.
I hope this answers your query, if you have anything to be clarifies I am available for discussion. Wish you speedy recovery

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar