A dental appointment to get a single filling can be daunting, but hearing you need several cavities filled in one sitting can be downright intimidating. The good news is that the process is far more routine–and comfortable–than most patients realize.

Dentists often recommend treating multiple teeth in a single visit because it’s efficient, it reduces the number of times you need to be numbed, and it helps prevent small areas of decay from turning into bigger problems. By better understanding how dentists plan these appointments (and why), the entire experience can feel much more manageable. 

How a Dentist Treats Multiple Cavities in One Visit

To make the appointment as smooth as possible, dentists typically work by quadrants. A quadrant is considered a quarter section of the mouth, consisting of the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. The dentist will numb one area and complete the necessary work there before moving on. 

This could mean filling two cavities near each other in the upper left quadrant, for example, at the same time with the same anesthesia injection. This minimizes how much of the mouth needs anesthesia and keeps the appointment organized and efficient. The dentist may also prioritize certain teeth based on severity, location, or how easily a patient can keep their mouth open during treatment.

Whether a patient needs two fillings or several, the dentist usually takes the same steps:

1. Numbing the mouth – The dentist will numb the area where the fillings will be placed, which usually takes just a few minutes. The patient may feel a quick pinch or pressure as the anesthetic is delivered, followed by a warm, heavy, or tingling sensation as the area becomes fully numb. It’s normal for the cheek, tongue, or lip to feel larger than usual, even though they aren’t actually swollen.
2. Removing decay and preparing the tooth – Next, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of each tooth. You won’t feel pain, but you may notice vibrations, a spray of cool water, or gentle pressure. Because multiple teeth are being treated, this part of the appointment can take longer than a single filling, but the sensations should remain the same throughout.
3. Placing the filling – After the decay is removed, the dentist shapes the space and places the filling material, which is usually a tooth colored composite resin that’s layered, shaped, and hardened with a curing light. The patient may feel the dentist gently pressing or smoothing the filling as they build it to match the natural tooth structure.
4. Bite checks and adjustments – Once all fillings are placed, the dentist will check the patient’s bite to make sure the teeth come together comfortably. The patient will be asked to gently bite down on a thin piece of paper that marks any high spots, as even a small imbalance can cause soreness later. 

Multi-filling visits typically last longer than a single tooth appointment. Depending on the number of cavities, their size, and the location of each, the appointment may take anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours.

What to Expect After the Appointment

Once the fillings are in place, the numbness will linger for a few hours. As it fades, the patient may notice a tingling or warm sensation in the cheek, lip, or tongue, which is normal. It’s also common to experience mild discomfort and a little pain after multiple fillings, including: 

• Jaw soreness 
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure 
• Tenderness around the gums 

These symptoms usually improve over the next few days, but sensitivity can last up to a couple of weeks, especially if the fillings were deep or close to the nerve. As long as the discomfort gradually improves, it’s considered a normal part of healing.

However, certain symptoms may signal something needs attention:

• Sharp pain when biting 
• A bite that feels uneven or “off”
• Pain that worsens after several days

These symptoms could mean a filling needs a small adjustment or the presence of a deeper irritation inside the tooth, so dentists encourage patients to call rather than wait it out.

Eating, Drinking, and Daily Activities: Aftercare for Multiple Fillings

Patients can usually eat once the numbness completely wears off, but timing depends on the type of filling and the patient’s comfort level. Composite fillings harden immediately under the curing light, so there’s no waiting period for the material itself. The bigger concern is chewing while numb, as it’s easy to bite a cheek, lip, or tongue without realizing it. Most patients wait a couple of hours until sensation returns before having a full meal.

For those who need to eat before numbness has worn off, choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side of the mouth if possible. Stick with soups, smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and other mashed foods, and avoid anything especially hot or cold, sticky, or crunchy until the bite has returned to normal. 

Patients can also brush and floss the same day after receiving multiple fillings but should be aware the gums may feel tender and the area might be slightly irritated. Keeping the mouth clean, however, is important, so use a soft bristled toothbrush and slide floss carefully.

To manage any soreness or sensitivity (especially to cold drinks, hot foods, or pressure when biting), over the counter pain relievers can provide relief, and warm saltwater rinses can soothe tender gums or irritated soft tissues.

Moving Forward with Confidence After Getting Multiple Fillings

Getting fillings for multiple cavities in one visit may sound like a big undertaking, but most patients are surprised by how smooth and manageable the experience feels once they know what to expect. 

Remember that mild soreness and temporary sensitivity are normal signs the teeth are adjusting, and most people return to their routines quickly. What matters most is paying attention to how the bite feels and reaching out if something doesn’t seem quite right. Dentists expect occasional adjustments after multi-filling visits, and those quick touch ups can make all the difference in a patient’s comfort.
Most importantly, don’t wait to get the fillings you need! Need to find a dentist or periodontist in your area? Use our online search tool.