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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Face Post Tooth Filling?

I had two cavities filled this morning. My dentist gave me two novacaine shots toward the bottom-back right section of my mouth. The first one hurt terribly. The second didn't hurt at all until he got deeper into my cheek. I felt a sharp pain. The whole appointment took about an hour. When it was done, I still couldn't feel the right side of my face. Once the novocaine wore off at home, I started feeling pain in my jaw and underneath the right side of my tongue. I held an ice pack to my face for a bit, then as I was getting ready to brush my teeth, I noticed discoloration in my right cheek that looked like the beginning to bruises. Is this normal? Is it something to worry about? I'm kind of a hypochondriac so I'd rather know sooner than later the odds of a major injury. Thank you.
posted on Sun, 21 Aug 2016
Twitter Wed, 14 Sep 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 14 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain bruising of cheek after Novocaine shot seems to be due to piercing of blood vessels with the injection needle leading to spillage of blood into the soft tissues causing Hematona formation..
It will gradually fade off and as of now do cool compresses over cheek..
Secondly pain can be due to irritation of the nerve fibres due to deep cavity formation leading to pain..
I would suggest you to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated and get an X-ray of the tooth done..
If there is deep cavity then Root Canal treatment followed by antibiotics and painkillers is to be taken..
Avoid chewing from painful side..

Hope this helps..
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What Causes Numbness In The Face Post Tooth Filling?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain bruising of cheek after Novocaine shot seems to be due to piercing of blood vessels with the injection needle leading to spillage of blood into the soft tissues causing Hematona formation.. It will gradually fade off and as of now do cool compresses over cheek.. Secondly pain can be due to irritation of the nerve fibres due to deep cavity formation leading to pain.. I would suggest you to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated and get an X-ray of the tooth done.. If there is deep cavity then Root Canal treatment followed by antibiotics and painkillers is to be taken.. Avoid chewing from painful side.. Hope this helps..