Do Dental Fillings Hurt? What to Expect When Getting a Cavity Filled

Getting a cavity filled is a scary journey because of the fear of pain. With modern dental techniques and advanced care, getting a dental filling is usually quick and painless.
Let’s walk you through the process, what to expect, and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

What is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a simple medical procedure that is commonly used to heal a decayed tooth. The tooth is restored to its natural shape and function by cleaning out the decayed portion and filling the cavity with a proper material.
Moreover, the fillings can stop further decay resulting in the strengthening of the tooth and the improving of oral health.

How to Know You Need a Dental Filling: Key Signs

1. Tooth Sensitivity:
A sharp pain or discomfort due to hot, cold, or sweet food intake.
2. Visible Holes or Dark Spots:
Indications of decay or caries on the surface of the tooth. This often looks like a bluish or blackish discolouration on one or more tooth surfaces.
3. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste:
Brought on by decay and bacteria accumulation.
4. Chips or Cracks:
Damaged teeth can be a place for decay or cavities to start.
5. Food lodgement:
Food getting stuck and causing discomfort.
6. Discomfort When Chewing:
Pain or sensitivity during eating.

Does Getting Dental Fillings Hurt?

The thought of pain during a dental procedure is a common concern among patients. But dental fillings amongst all are generally painless.
Why Fillings Are Pain-Free:

• Dental fillings are typically painless because they are performed when the decay or damage to the tooth is away from the nerve endings and the tooth is restorable.
• Modern techniques and tools further ensure minimal discomfort and reduce procedural anxiety.
• You might feel minor pressure or vibrations during the drilling phase, but pain is rare. For deeper cavities, dentists may use numbing gels to enhance comfort.

What to Expect During a Dental Filling Procedure

1. Initial Clinical Examination
The dentist identifies the cavity through visual inspection and discusses your symptoms. This step helps determine the severity of the decay.
2. Radio Evaluation
Advanced imaging techniques, like X-rays, are used to assess the depth of the cavity and decide the next course of action.
3. Determining Treatment Approach

• If the cavity is shallow, the dentist proceeds with cleaning and filling immediately.
• For slightly deeper cavities where it’s unclear whether a filling or root canal treatment (RCT) is needed, the dentist may place an IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material). This temporary filling allows observation of symptoms. If discomfort occurs, an RCT may be required. Otherwise, a permanent filling can be placed later.
• When the X-ray shows the cavity has reached the pulp, an RCT is necessary to address the damage.

Depending on the severity of the decay, the dentist may recommend a local anesthetic gel or injection if the cavity is nearing the pulp, or administer it during the procedure if heightened sensitivity is experienced.

4. Removing Decay
Depending on the severity of decay, the dentist uses a drill, laser, or air abrasion tool to remove grayish or brownish decay.
You might be facing a little pressure, slight shocks, or even a mild perception of pain due to the vibrations of the drill, but anyway, the treatment is usually painless.
The cause of pain can also vary on individual pain tolerance.
5. Placing the Filling
The cleaned cavity is filled with the chosen material. For composite fillings, a curing light hardens the material layer by layer, ensuring a secure fit.
6. Polishing and Adjustments
The dentist smoothens and polishes the filling to match your natural tooth and ensures it doesn’t interfere with your bite.
7. Post-Operative Care
Contemporary dental fillings usually harden fully while you are in the dental chair.
In certain instances, however, your filling might require more time to completely set. If necessary, your dentist will offer detailed guidelines to adhere to for the next 24 hours to guarantee that your filling sets correctly and endures as long as possible.

Pain and Discomfort Vary Among Individuals

Pain or discomfort during a dental procedure is subjective and depends on an individual’s pain threshold.
While some patients may not feel any discomfort, others may perceive even minor sensations more intensely.
Times when discomfort can be experienced include:
1. Decay at Tooth Contact Point:
When decay is present at the contact point between teeth, the dentist may use a wedge or retainer to create space and protect the adjacent tooth. This can cause mild pressure or discomfort.
2. Cervical Caries:
If decay is located at the junction of the gums and teeth (cervical caries), the dentist may insert a gingival traction cord.
This helps separate the gums for better isolation and ensures proper margin adaptability for the restoration. While effective, this step might cause temporary discomfort.

Common Filling Materials

• Amalgam: Durable and cost-effective, though silver in appearance. However, it is no longer recommended due to environmental concerns. If you’re considering alternatives, it’s important to factor in the dental filling cost when making your decision.
• Composite Resin: Tooth-colored restoration material for a natural look, most popularly chosen these days by patients.
• Gold: Long-lasting but more expensive, also visible very evidently.
• Ceramic: Aesthetic and durable but costlier than other options.
• GIC (Glass Ionomer Cement): Fluoride releasing cement, prevents tooth from further decay. Often used as temporary filling material or also as a popular filling material for milk teeth.

Post-Filling Sensations: What to Expect

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience:

• Mild Discomfort: Particularly with deeper fillings, but it’s temporary.
• Sensitivity: To hot, cold, or pressure, subsiding within a few days.

How to Manage Discomfort After a Filling

Here are practical tips to minimize post-procedure discomfort:

• Avoid Eating or Drinking: Until the area feels normal to prevent accidental bites.
• Choose Soft Foods: For the first day to avoid irritating the filled tooth.
• Desensitizing Toothpaste: Helps alleviate temporary sensitivity.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Such as ibuprofen, if necessary.

When to Call Your Dentist

While discomfort is typically short-lived, consult your dentist if you experience:

• Severe Pain: Lasting more than 48 hours.
• Persistent Sensitivity: That doesn’t improve over time.
• High Filling: Causing an uneven bite.

Signs of Infection: Such as swelling, redness, or pus.

Why Choose Clove Dental for Cavity Fillings

At Clove Dental, we emphasize patient comfort and utilize cutting-edge methods for painless fillings. Here’s the reason you can have confidence in us:

• Proficient Dentists: Capable of managing straightforward to intricate cases.
• Cutting-Edge Tools: Guarantees accuracy and ease.
• Patient-Centered Care: Customized treatment strategies and a serene atmosphere.

Price of Dental Fillings at Clove

Dental filling is an effective way to restore the tooth, in terms of both function, structure & look. We at Clove aim to make it affordable as well with tooth filling costs in India, starting from:

The final pricings are determined on the basis of dental material used, complexity of the case and number of surfaces involved in decay.

FAQs

• Does cavity filling hurt?
  No, most cavity fillings are painless thanks to modern techniques and careful procedures.
• How long does a dental filling procedure take?
  A simple filling typically takes 20-30 minutes. More extensive work may take longer.
• Can I eat after getting a cavity filled?
  It depends on the type of filling material used. If a composite filling is placed, you can eat immediately after the procedure. However, some filling materials may require additional setting time. Follow your dentist’s instructions for the next 24 hours.
• How long does a filling last?
  The longevity of fillings depends on various factors, including the material used and the tooth’s location. Fillings tend to last longer in pit cavities with good retention, while their durability is less predictable in other areas. Proper aftercare also plays a significant role in determining their lifespan.
• What happens if a cavity is left untreated?
  Untreated cavities can lead to severe decay, infection, or the need for more invasive treatments like root canals.

Key Takeaway

Worried about your cavity filling? Let Clove Dental’s experienced team make the process smooth and comfortable. Book your appointment today and enjoy a healthy, confident smile!
Always remember, investing in tooth filling reduces the chances for you to get a more extensive or expensive procedure later on.

By-
Dr. Shreya Singh