For one, the novacane (or whatever is currently used) had to be applied twice, and I still had a shock or two of pain while the dentist was drilling--to the point I had to raise my hand a couple of times. He said that part of the issue was that the cavity went deeper than he thought, but I still feel like the numbing wore off much faster than past experiences.
Something also happened to the side of my tongue. It feels a bit scraped and raw, not like I bit it but more like it reacted to the first-stage numbing agent that they placed there (the issue is in the same area). Thankfully, that is starting to feel better now.
Also, the experience has left a lingering ache that goes all the way up into my sinuses. It feels a bit like there is still some of the numbing agent in there, but it is also a little sore to the touch. In fact, it sort of feels like I've been punched on that side of the face.
Finally, the area around the tooth with the larger cavity is sensitive and sore, but I kind of expected that considering the time he had to put in on that side. I had a cavity filled on the other side of my mouth, but that experience went off without a hitch is not bothering me at all.
Thankfully, the entire affair was quick (in and out in half an hour) and my mouth is starting to feel better.