Is a Dental Filling Procedure Painful?
Do you need a dental filling to repair a cavity? This procedure can cause some anxiety and even scare some people. The truth is, this procedure does not need to worry you and make you want to avoid going to the dentist. Even for severe cavities, the dentist can restore the tooth by causing little or no discomfort or pain. Your dentist will have the knowledge and training to successfully remove any tooth decay and seal your tooth from further damage. As you understand this process well, you can feel at ease going into your appointment.
When a person needs a dental filling and what it does
From the time a person first starts getting teeth, dentists and caregivers emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste will help keep decay away. Daily flossing will remove bacteria-causing plaque from the teeth too. However, when people neglect these responsibilities, cavities can form. Plaque will turn into tartar and attack the enamel, causing holes in the tooth.
A filling is part of the process to restore a decayed tooth. It seals a cleaned-out tooth and prevents additional decay or infections from getting into the tooth. A filling can be made out of metal such as silver or gold. It can also be a tooth-colored composite material. Fillings are not permanent and can deteriorate or fall out after about 10 years.
Signs and symptoms of a cavity
Sometimes, it is not difficult to spot tooth decay. Large cavities are visible to the naked eye as holes or dark spots on a tooth. More commonly, the individual will feel that there is tooth decay and needs a dental filling. Toothaches usually accompany a cavity. The pain and discomfort can be persistent and get worse as time passes. The person may also have tooth sensitivity, especially when eating hot or cold foods.
Diagnosing the need for a filling
When cavities are mild or moderate, the patient may not know there are issues. At a semiannual checkup, the dentist may identify decay. At the beginning of the appointment, the hygienist will take X-rays, which the dentist can look at and see cavities. The dentist may also find a cavity by probing with a dental tool.
The process
People may be nervous about feeling pain during a dental filling procedure. To calm a person and eliminate these sensations, the dentist will numb the affected area. Using a local anesthetic, the dentist will help to comfort the patient for the procedure. After several minutes, the tooth and area surrounding it should not feel any pain. The dentist will drill into the tooth, remove the decay, and seal the tooth with the filling. There may be some soreness for a few hours after the procedure.
No reason to put off treatment
Tooth decay can be a serious condition. Without treatment, the cavity can grow and even threaten the tooth’s integrity. Make an appointment with your dentist if you have any signs of tooth decay. With a dental filling, the dentist can relieve your pain and restore your tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at (909) 740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.
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