Cavities are a common dental complaint caused by erosion to the tooth’s enamel due to acid produced by bacteria on the tooth’s surface. If left untreated, cavities can lead to complications such as infection, abscess, and even tooth loss.
If you suspect that you have one or more cavities that require tooth fillings, you may be wondering: do dental fillings hurt? Many people who have had a past traumatic experience at a dental practice or who suffer from generalised anxiety disorders (GAD) may avoid seeking treatment for cavities due to dental phobia or anxiety.
It is crucial to treat cavities as soon as possible to prevent deep decay and more serious oral health issues. Understanding the tooth filling procedure and how dentists can minimise discomfort can alleviate any concerns or stress over whether dental fillings hurt.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a type of procedure that fills cavities to prevent them from further decay. However, you may still be thinking to yourself: do dental fillings hurt?
You may find reassurance knowing that tooth fillings are a standard dental procedure, requiring little to no downtime or any advanced preparation. At the Bright Dental Group, our dentists are trained and experienced at performing dental fillings, and there are various types of tooth fillings.
The most common dental fillings are tooth-coloured mercury-free composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your smile.
Why Do We Need to Fill Cavities?
If you are wondering: do dental fillings hurt? You might be wondering why we even need them in the first place if you don’t experience any discomfort caused by the hole in the tooth.
While some people experience constant discomfort when they have a cavity, others aren’t aware of them unless they eat or drink something hot or cold and experience heightened sensitivity.
However, tooth fillings are necessary to prevent cavities from progressing and leading to infection and other oral health issues. If you have severe levels of decay, you may end up needing a root canal or a tooth extraction, both of which are more invasive and require more recovery time.
Do Dental Fillings Hurt? The Filling Procedure
The dental filling treatment is fairly straightforward and should cause minimal discomfort. You may experience a feeling of pressure when the anaesthetic is administered and a small degree of sensitivity following the procedure, especially if the cavity was close to the tooth’s nerve. You may also have an aching jaw if the filling was deep and took longer to administer. Here’s what to expect.
You will be given a local anaesthetic in the area to be treated, which may cause a small pinch lasting only a second or two. Your dentist may apply a numbing gel to the gum before inserting the needle. Once this has taken effect after a couple of minutes, you experience tingling and numbness in the area.
Your dentist cleans the cavity area using a drill handpiece, removing the decay. Then, they apply a non-toxic chemical adhesive and layer the composite resin onto the affected tooth. Each layer of composite resin is then hardened with a curing light. Your dentist checks your bite using articulating paper to ensure your filling is not too high because this can cause swelling and inflammation of the periodontal ligament.
Restore the Your Smile’s Health at the Bright Dental Group
If you want to find out if you require tooth fillings and are looking for a comfortable and reassuring environment to get treatment, contact the team at Bright Dental Group at Glenmore today on (02) 4708 9691 to book an appointment and begin your journey to a healthy smile.
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