A trip to the dentist can be scary for some people. This is especially true when the dental appointment involves a cavity filling.
Dentists work to prevent and treat oral diseases, conditions and trauma. They also provide advice and instruction on dental hygiene. They have excellent communication skills and are great at educating their patients on preventative care.
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A dental filling is a restoration that is used to help relieve pain and protect the tooth from further decay. When left untreated, cavities can cause severe tooth pain and may even affect the nerve of a tooth. It is important to treat a cavity early as it can prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures like a root canal or a crown.
The question: “does it hurt to get a cavity filled?” is usually answered by saying that getting a filling does not hurt, as long as the tooth is numb. Most dentists will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth where they are going to perform a filling. Typically, this will involve a shot of anesthetic, such as Lidocaine or Septocaine, which is mixed with epinephrine to control bleeding and make the anesthesia last longer.
During the procedure, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth, clean the area and then apply the filling material. Depending on the type of filling, the dentist may also polish and adjust the tooth to make it feel normal when biting. Some people may experience some pain or sensitivity after the numbness wears off, but this is usually mild and will go away on its own within a day or two.
Some people have a higher tolerance of pain than others, so it is important to communicate with your dentist about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene to keep teeth healthy and avoid future cavities.
If you are concerned about a cavity, or need to schedule an appointment to have a tooth filled, give us a call. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you!
Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Jill from Eagan, MN. Thanks for WONDERing with us, Jill!
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For many people, visiting the dentist causes anxiety. Even a minor treatment like getting a cavity filled can cause stress, especially if you’re worried about pain.
It’s a common misconception that dental fillings hurt, but in fact they don’t. You might feel some discomfort once the numbing medication wears off, but over-the-counter acetaminophen should alleviate any pain or soreness you may experience.
The main reason that dentists numb the mouth as part of the procedure is because they need to use a drill to remove some of the decayed tissue from inside the tooth. This can be painful if you don’t have the right amount of anesthesia. However, some dentists now offer laser treatments that can remove decayed tissue with greater precision and comfort than traditional methods. This means you might not need anesthesia at all!
Another factor that influences how much a cavity filling will hurt is how bad the decay is. Deep cavities are close to the nerves in the tooth, and will probably hurt more than shallow ones. Additionally, if the decay has progressed to the pulp, it can cause a lot of pain and may require more invasive treatments like root canals or extractions.
When it comes to a dental filling, you should always ask your dentist about the type of anesthesia they will be using. They will likely recommend nitrous oxide (which is administered through a breathing mask over the nose) if you’re nervous or anxious, and this can be used in conjunction with local anesthetic to decrease the feeling of discomfort.
Whether you need a cavity filled or just a routine cleaning, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy and strong! You should schedule an appointment to get a dental checkup at least once every six months, and don’t forget to brush and floss regularly to prevent cavities and other issues.
Have you had a cavity filled recently? What did you think of the process? Let us know in the comments below! Or if you’re looking for an amazing dentist to help you take care of your teeth, book your next cleaning online with one of our friendly and caring dental teams today! We have offices in both New York City and Los Angeles, and we can’t wait to meet you.
