Dental fillings are a common way to repair cavities and stop the spread of tooth decay. If you put off getting a filling, your tooth may become so badly decayed that you need a root canal, a crown, or even a tooth extraction. Understanding the process of getting a filling can help relieve dental anxiety or satisfy your curiosity. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when getting a filling.
What Happens Before a Filling?
The bacteria that cause plaque release acids that wear away at your tooth enamel. As plaque builds up, it gradually starts to make tiny holes in your teeth called cavities.
Usually, your dentist will spot the signs of a cavity forming during your routine exams. That’s why twice-yearly dental checkups are so important—you can get the cavity repaired while it’s still small, and before it starts causing any pain. If you have sensitive teeth, it could be a sign that you need a filling. And if you’re having tooth pain, you should pay a visit to your dentist sooner rather than later.
If your dentist tells you that you need a filling, your best course of action is to get treatment as soon as possible, so that the cavities do not have time to become bigger or more painful. Typically, there is nothing that you need to do before you get a filling. If your dentist decides some prior medications are necessary, like an antibiotic for infections, or pain medicine for comfort, they will let you know.
Your dentist will also discuss the types of filling materials available. Fillings can be made from gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or composite resin. Choosing the appropriate material depends entirely on sensitivities, allergies, budget, and preferences, but most people choose resin composite fillings because they look the most natural.
What Happens During a Filling?
There are five steps in the dental filling process:
- First, a numbing gel is applied to the area around the affected tooth.
- If necessary, a local anesthetic is injected into the gums, so that you will not feel any pain while the decayed portion is drilled away.
- The dentist will then remove the damaged portion of the tooth and clean the cavity.
- Next, the hole is filled with the material of your choice. After the cavity has been filled, your dentist will “cure” the filling with blue light—this helps it harden more quickly.
- Finally, a polish and a bite test is performed. Your dentist will make adjustments as needed to ensure that your bite is comfortable and the filling is smooth.
What Happens After a Filling?
You will be able to go home as soon as your dentist has finished polishing your tooth. Your mouth will be numb for an hour or two, but it is perfectly safe for you to drive and resume normal activities.
The only change we recommend is waiting to eat until the numbing agent has worn off. This will keep you from accidentally chomping on your cheek or tongue. Sticking to soft foods can help you avoid irritating the area. The gums around the filling and the tooth itself might be a little tender at first, but your filling should be fully hardened after 24 hours.
Do Fillings Ever Hurt?
During a filling, you should not feel any pain, but only some slight pressure on your jaw. If at any point you feel pain, let your dentist know.
After the numbing agent wears off, you might experience some discomfort, sensitivity to temperatures, and very mild pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) should help alleviate any discomfort, but typically you should not feel any pain after 24 hours.
In rare cases, infections can occur after a filling. If your pain continues for more than 24 hours, or if you notice any symptoms of infection, you may need a follow-up appointment. Contact your dentist immediately if you have:
- Worsening or severe pain
- Redness, warmth, or swelling at the gum line
- Severe sensitivity
- A fever
Fillings and Dental Restorations in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you need to get a cavity filled, or are due for a dental exam, look no further than Country Club Dental. Our dentists, Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman, have extensive experience repairing all types of dental problems. Together, our talented doctors, dental hygienists, and support staff provide the best dental care in the area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/21/24). Photo by Ozkan Guner on Unsplash.
