When dealing with tooth decay, cavity filling is the usual solution advised by dentists. While the dentist explains its benefit, it’s natural for patients to worry about the pain. After all, tooth pain stings differently and can be traumatic for patients with dental anxiety. In this post, discover when do fillings hurt and why you should not postpone this dental procedure.
Q: Is it painful to have cavity fillings?
No. Your dentist will numb the area and use a numbing gel before injecting a local anesthetic known as Lidocaine. You may feel a bit of a sting, but that’s a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.
Your dentist will drill the decayed part of the tooth to prevent it from spreading. Tooth-colored fillings will then replace the decayed tooth structure to preserve the remaining parts of your natural tooth. The next thing you know is you’re done with the procedure since dental fillings treatment only takes around 20 to 45 minutes for mild tooth decay.
When the local anesthetic wears down, you may feel a bit of discomfort and mild pain. The mild pain may radiate to your other teeth due to the pain signals of the nerves. However, it is only temporary and will soon subside within a week or two.
What you should know about fillings
Fear of the unknown makes most patients avoid dental treatments. Fine Arts Dentistry educates patients about their dental treatments to let them see the difference between their expectations and reality. Here’s what you should expect during a dental fillings treatment:
Dental conditions that require dental fillings
Any form of opening in our tooth allows disease-causing bacteria to attack our teeth, gums, and even our body. Dental fillings can help prevent the following dental conditions from getting worse:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Cracked tooth
- Worn down teeth due to bruxism
- Problems with previous dental work
If left untreated, these dental conditions can progress into more serious conditions like gum disease. So, our dental team encourages every patient to not think twice about getting their tooth filled as soon as possible.
Filling treatment
Tooth fillings will become a part of the tooth that can affect the appearance of your smile. So, dentists will let you choose which type of filling materials to use for your tooth. Your options include:
Filling after-care
Since the tooth nerve is still adjusting with the filling, here are some after-care tips to keep the pain at bay:
- Avoid adding too much pressure on the tooth and eat soft foods.
- Refrain from cold and hot drinks to prevent triggering tooth sensitivity.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Do not move your teeth with your tongue or try to suck on the newly filled tooth.
Potential problems to look out for
While dental fillings treatment is a low-risk procedure, there are some instances that problems may arise, such as:
- Allergic reaction to local anesthetic
- Tooth decay around the dental filling
Experience a pain-free filling treatment and book an appointment now
Tooth fillings should not be as painful as most patients expect them to be. Fine Arts Dentistry is committed to making tooth filling treatments in Matthews as pain-free as possible. Schedule an appointment now and prevent your cavities from progressing into a more serious dental condition.
