Most of us will have to get dental fillings at some point in our lives. In fact, it is one of the most common procedures routinely performed in each dental office. But do dental fillings hurt? Read our article to find the answer to this question and learn what happens during the dental filling procedure.
Do Dental Fillings Hurt?
A dental filling is one of the least invasive tooth restoration procedures. Although it involves cleaning the cavity area with a drill, it typically does not affect the inner chambers or roots of the tooth like root canal therapy does.
In most cases, getting a dental filling does not hurt or cause any significant discomfort to a patient. The reason for this is that dental fillings are typically done using a local anesthetic. Modern anesthetics are incredibly effective at numbing the procedure area and allow most patients not to feel any pain, even during such procedures as tooth extraction. This being said, you might feel slight pain during the anesthetic injection. However, the injection takes just a couple of seconds.
The anesthetic typically starts working in 5 to 10 minutes. You will most likely feel the entire procedure area of your mouth go numb. Depending on the position of the tooth that needs to be treated, your tongue can also become numb.
Some patients might have a high tolerance to local anesthetics, meaning that they will be less effective. In such cases, either the dose of the anesthetic will be increased within the safe margins, or your dentist will offer you one of the sedation dentistry options.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry includes such options as:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is administered via inhalation
- Oral sedation—a pill taken by mouth
- Intravenous sedation—an injection into a vein
- General anesthesia (typically used only in cases of complex oral surgeries)
These options can be useful to patients with high tolerance to local anesthetics, acute dental anxiety, or those who find it challenging to remain in one position for a prolonged period. Depending on the type of sedation, a patient may feel more relaxed (nitrous oxide and oral sedation) or fall asleep (IV sedation) during the procedure.
If you are concerned that a dental filling procedure might cause you significant stress or discomfort, talk to your dentist during the initial consultation about sedation dentistry options. Some sedation options require additional tests, such as a heart examination, prior to the procedure.
What Happens During a Dental Filling Procedure?
Before the procedure, your dentist will examine the tooth that needs treatment. This might include a physical exam, an X-ray, or a scan. The examination is needed to determine the depth of the cavity and the general condition of the tooth.
As we mentioned before, a dental filling procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthetic or sedation, if needed. Then, your dentist will use a special drill-like tool to remove the infected part of the tooth. Once the tooth is free of infection, the emptied space is filled with resin composite, a tooth-colored material most commonly used for dental fillings.
The next step is to harden the resin composite using a special light. Then, your dentist will file the filling down to ensure that it is level with the rest of the tooth and does not impede the patient’s normal bite.
At the end of the procedure, your dental filling should feel comfortable when you bite down. You might feel that there is something “alien” in the mouth for a day or two, but the filling should not feel too high in comparison to the rest of your teeth. If the filling is filed down properly, you will get used to your new feeling and stop noticing it soon.
If your filling continues to feel unnatural and uncomfortable when you bite down after two to three days, make a follow-up appointment with your dentist. Uncomfortable fillings must be adjusted, as they can affect a patient’s bite.
Get Dental Fillings at My Dentist Anaheim
Sign up for a stress- and pain-free dental filling procedure with an experienced dentist at our office. At My Dentist Anaheim, we strive to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for our patients. Our specialists use state-of-the-art techniques and materials to deliver reliable and long-lasting results.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our dental office.