Do Cavity Fillings Hurt? Dental Filling Procedure Explained

Dental care

Pain and discomfort are expected after undergoing the dental filling procedure. The method involves the use of dental burrs, local anesthetic, and syringes. However, it is typically painless during the entire process because of the anesthesia. The pain usually comes after when the anesthetic effects wear off. If you want to learn more about the tooth fillings and anaesthesia options, you can talk to your dentist. You can talk to Casey Dentists Townsville if you have issues with cavities.

 

Cavity Filling: How it’s Done

To better understand the possibility of experiencing pain during and after the dental filling procedure, it is important to learn about the actual steps involved in the practice. We’ll explain the steps in this article and the possible causes of pain after the procedure. Understanding the entire method gives you an insight on what to expect, and determine if the painful sensation you may feel is normal. But before we go into the step-by-step explanation of the procedure, let’s define what dental fillings first.

 

Dental Filling:

A dental filling is a cosmetic, restorative procedure that involves shaping the tooth and removing decayed parts. Local anesthesia is administered to prevent pain and discomfort during the process. In some cases, sedation may be required for people with a low tolerance for pain. Typically, after the reshaping process and the decayed portion’s removal, the dental filling is prepared and applied into the tooth. The materials used can be made of gold, silver, porcelain, or composite substances. A dental filling’s primary purpose is to restore the tooth’s aesthetic appearance and protect it from bacterial infection.

As soon as your dentist finishes the physical examination of your mouth, an x-ray usually follows. This step determines your oral health status and tells your dentist which method is best applied. Before the procedure, the administration of anesthesia comes first. The steps involved are:

  • Mouth drying via a cotton swab or air stream
  • Saliva is drained to ensure safety
  • The application of topical gel with numbing effects
  • The injection of local anesthesia called lidocaine
  • Once the gums are numb, the cleaning starts
  • After cleaning, the tooth is polished until it reaches the best shape possible
  • The decayed portion in the cavity is thoroughly removed
  • Once your dentist is satisfied with the result, the filling is applied

Tip: After applying the dental filling, your dentist typically suggests avoiding eating solid food within the next twenty-four hours. The main reason is to protect the filling from dislodging or removal. Your dentist will recommend to avoid foods like:

  • Hard candy bars
  • Meat
  • Bubble gum
  • Food and drinks with high acidity
  • Food and drinks with high sugar content

After twenty-four hours, you can start eating solid food but with extreme caution. You need to chew carefully or avoid chewing with the newly filled tooth.

 

Possible Causes of Pain After Dental Filling

There’s a slim possibility that you may experience pain after the dental filling process. Different factors determine the causes, and it could also be a combination of multiple complications. One possibility is gum infection. It is possible that your dentist may not have noticed the underlying infection beneath the surface of your tooth. Sometimes, the infection goes deep down within your gums without visible indications. So, after the filling has been applied, the infection may still take root and spread.

Another possibility is the failed root canal. Dental fillings are typically applied after the root canal process to protect your tooth from bacterial infection. However, in rare cases, dentists may sometimes leave a portion of the pulp inside the tooth. This failure usually ends with the spread of infection. Fillings are applied on the tooth, and the pain becomes prominent after a few days.

One last example is deteriorated filling. When fillings deteriorate, it’s usually accompanied by pain, discomfort and swelling. It’s more likely that the cavity it occupies became bigger, and bacteria from plaque and tartar may have gone inside the opening. This possibility could happen with all types of dental fillings.

 

Dental Fillings Aftercare

The dental filling procedure’s success rate is high, but the long-term effects lie on your efforts. You should follow your dentist’s advice strictly. Here are some tips to keep your oral health on pristine condition:

Practice the Proper Brushing Technique

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Use a pea-sized toothpaste with fluoride
  • Make sure that you brush gently on al the surface of your teeth
  • Perform a circular and up and down motion
  • Brush for at least two minutes
  • Clean your tongue with a dental scraper
  • Floss gently once a day
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash

 

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

As the team of SLDC’s clinic in Pyrmont, NSW advises, regular visits to your dentist reduce the risks of developing oral health problems. By observing the proper hygiene at home and your routine checkups, you may avoid dental filling altogether. The benefits of visiting your dentist regularly includes:

  • Early detection of possible teeth and gum diseases
  • Professional cleaning
  • Can provide the best solution for any problem detected
  • Prevents complications of existing conditions

 

Final Thoughts

Prevention is still better than the cure as the saying goes. It’s better to avoid developing cavities than going to your dentist for treatment. However, it is normal to experience cavity and tooth decay as we age. Our teeth become more sensitive because of the natural reduction of enamel. But by observing the right oral hygiene techniques, and routine dental checkups, you can at least keep your teeth and gums healthy even at an older age. Do not fear to visit your dentist frequently to avoid these issues.

Some factors, like certain health conditions, also play a significant role in developing cavities. Diabetes is one example that is typically a common cause. Bad habits like smoking and too much drinking of alcoholic drinks can also compromise your oral health. So, the best way to prevent cavities from developing is by switching to a healthier lifestyle. This includes taking care of your oral health, your physical fitness, and your mental health as well. Always remember that you can only achieve a healthy body and mind with your effort and positive mindset in life. You can visit Oakleigh Smiles dental clinic today if you need more help in this issue.

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