Dental fillings do not cause any considerable discomfort.
If you have a cavity that you need to have resolved, you may feel anxious about visiting your dentist. In fact, many people feel some level of anxiety when it comes to undergoing dental treatment. The good news, however, is that the process of having a filling placed actually causes very little discomfort at all. In fact, the treatment can help to alleviate pain caused by tooth decay and other issues. Read on to find out more about dental fillings, and what the process of having one placed involves…
Do fillings hurt?
The process of having a filling placed doesn’t usually cause any major discomfort. Rather, the treatment helps to resolve oral health issues like tooth decay and often alleviates uncomfortable symptoms like pain and sensitivity.
It is important to note, however, that it is best to treat tooth decay as soon as possible. If left untreated, large and deep cavities may need to be addressed with more invasive procedures, such as root canal therapy or an extraction.
When cavities are identified early, they are usually simple and quick to resolve. Discomfort associated with filling a small cavity is usually minimal. Deeper cavities, on the other hand, often take longer to fill and may be located more closely to the tooth’s nerves. This could cause some discomfort, although your dentist is likely to recommend an anaesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain while your filling is being placed.
How long does the process take?
The duration of the procedure will depend on how many teeth you need to have filled, as well as the size, depth and location of the cavities that you need resolved. In the case of a small filling, the treatment usually doesn’t take much more than half an hour to complete.
Before your dentist begins, they will clean and dry the target area. They will then inject a local anaesthetic, which will numb the affected tooth, as well as the surrounding gum and jaw. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will remove decay from your tooth with the help of a dental drill. The remaining hole will then be cleaned and filled.
Does it hurt after a filling has been placed?
Once the effects of the local anaesthetic have worn off, you may experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity for a day or two. These side-effects are completely normal and will resolve in time.
During the first few days following treatment, you may find it helpful to avoid eating or drinking anything that is particularly hot or cold, as extreme temperatures can exacerbate any sensitivity that you feel.
Be sure to practice proper oral hygiene in order to maintain your oral health and prevent more cavities from developing in the future. It is advisable that you brush and floss daily, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans.
How can we help?
At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer a range of general dentistry services, including tooth-coloured fillings. These fillings are very durable and help to achieve a natural-looking result. In fact, the colour of the filling material can be matched to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth and your restoration will be barely noticeable.
If you suspect that you have a cavity, or have noticed some wear and tear on your teeth, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will examine your teeth and let you know if a dental filling is an appropriate treatment for you. If you feel anxious about the treatment, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with us and we will do our best to make you feel at ease at our practice.
If you would like to find out more about dental fillings and what the treatment process involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (07) 3846 2548.
