Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures routinely performed in most dental offices. It is used to treat cavities. But is it painful to get dental fillings? In this article, we address this question.
Is It Painful to Get Dental Fillings?
In the majority of cases, getting a dental filling does not cause patients pain or any significant discomfort. In modern dentistry, fillings are done using a local anesthetic. Modern local anesthetics are highly effective at numbing the procedure area and completely blocking all sensations there. In fact, such anesthetics prevent patients from feeling anything, even when a tooth is being removed, let alone when it is treated with a simple dental filling procedure. Also, your dentist can adjust the dose of the anesthetic if you still feel pain during the procedure.
The injection of a local anesthetic can cause some discomfort. Some patients describe it as a brief burning or stinging sensation. However, it lasts only a couple of seconds. The anesthetic starts taking effect very quickly after the injection, within a couple of minutes.
What if I Feel Scared of Getting a Dental Filling?
If you experience anxiety about the upcoming dental filling and it prevents you from undergoing the procedure, discuss sedation options with your dentist during your initial consultation.
Additionally, patients can opt for one of the sedation methods in the following cases:
A patient has a high tolerance or is allergic to a local anesthetic.
It is challenging for the patient to remain in one position for the duration of the procedure, or the patient has special needs.
A patient experiences acute dental anxiety that prevents them from undergoing the procedure.
Sedation options commonly used in dentistry include:
- Nitrous oxide sedation (also referred to as laughing gas) is inhaled through a mask and helps you feel relaxed during the procedure.
- Oral sedation is taken by mouth some time before the procedure and also promotes relaxation and calmness.
- IV sedation is administered via injection into a vein. It is the strongest type of conscious sedation, which can cause drowsiness during the procedure, but you will still be able to cooperate with your doctor if needed.
- General anesthesia is almost never used for dental fillings, except in cases where patients have special needs.
Will I Feel Pain After the Dental Filling Procedure?
In the vast majority of cases, patients do not experience pain after getting a dental filling. Once the anesthetic wears off (which can take several hours), you may experience slight soreness in the area of the injection, but this typically subsides within a day. Additionally, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages in the treated tooth, which should subside shortly.
Some patients also report that the new dental feeling feels unnatural or uncomfortable at first, especially when closing their mouth. However, these fillings should subside within a couple of days if the filling is leveled correctly with the rest of your teeth. If discomfort persists for longer than 2 to 3 days, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist, as the filling may need to be adjusted to be leveled properly.
If you experience intense pain or sensitivity after the procedure, contact your dentist immediately. The pain might signify that the filling is not sealed correctly or the tooth is reinfected.
Get Dental Fillings at Shodhan DHS
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Shodhan DHS for a stress-free dental filling procedure. Our specialists strive to make every procedure as painless and comfortable as possible for every patient. We are looking forward to your visit.
