Does a Dental Filling Hurt?

If you have a cavity in your tooth, your dentist will most likely recommend a dental filling. There are various types available that your dentist can suggest depending on your needs. Fillings are effective and usually last for a long time. But you might experience some pain or tooth sensitivity afterward.

Dental filling

Many individuals worry about tooth filling pain. But the good news is that modern anesthetic techniques make the dental procedure as comfortable as possible. Treating a cavity is usually less painful when it is done early or as soon as the dentist notices signs of decay. Treating it is also less expensive during this time.

Anesthetics

Dentists usually take steps to minimize pain during treatment. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the gums and parts of the mouth. But the patient will still be awake during the procedure. An anesthetic may not be needed if the decay is only on the surface of the tooth. In such instances, a dentist can drill the damaged tooth enamel without it causing any pain.

An anesthetic called lidocaine is often used during dental work. During the appointment, the dentist will inject the lidocaine into the mouth. They might use a gel to numb the gum tissue and minimize discomfort from the injection itself. Once the treatment area is numb, the patient will not feel any pain as the dentist works.

After the procedure

As the anesthetic wears off, it is not uncommon to experience some tingling in the mouth. Some patients also have sensitivity in their teeth after the procedure. Many people experience tooth sensitivity for a day or two. Recently filled teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold foods as well as drinks. For this problem, people should avoid these triggers for several days and wait to see if the sensitivity reduces.

Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a while can help. Patients should avoid biting down directly on the dental filling. An anti-inflammatory pain reliever like ibuprofen can also help. If the pain or sensitivity does not fade away after about a week, the patient should contact the dentist. The filling may have to be checked to ensure it is not too high and the bite is correct.

The lifetime of a dental filling

How long the dental filling lasts depends on several factors including one’s dental hygiene. Diligent dental care can extend the life of the dental filling. It can also prevent a new cavity from forming on the tooth. The lifetime of a dental filling can also vary depending on the materials chosen. Some dental fillings last longer than others but taking care of them is still very important.

When to call your dentist

Fillings should not hurt after being placed, but you can experience some tenderness and soreness during the first few days after the procedure. You should contact your dentist if the discomfort persists for more than seven days. Sometimes, patients can start to experience discomfort or pain, weeks, months, or even years later. If this happens, you should also check in with your dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com or call Total Care Implant Dentistry at (760) 394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.

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