Does Getting a Dental Filling Hurt?

Are you getting a dental filling in the near future? Dental fillings are needed to restore teeth that are in bad shape. The procedure itself is very common and a lot of people rely on it to improve their oral health.

With all dental procedures comes the question of whether or not pain will be involved. It is a common worry that patients have when preparing for the procedure. This article explains how dental fillings work, as well as whether or not pain is involved. Keep reading to find out more.

Will a dental filling procedure hurt?

The information below outlines what to expect from a dental filling procedure.

Discomfort

Dental fillings are not known to cause severe pain; however, there are patients that report some slight discomfort, which is completely normal. Discomfort is typically common in a dental filling procedure because the infected parts of the tooth are removed. The discomfort usually does not last more than a day or two.

Talking with the dentist about ways to manage the discomfort is a good idea. For the most part, it can be addressed through the use of over-the-counter pain medications. However, if there is any prolonged discomfort, it should be evaluated by a dentist.

Numbing agents

Dental filling procedures are very common, but they may sometimes require the help of a numbing agent. Numbing agents are used very frequently in dentistry to help reduce any discomfort during the actual procedure.

Numbing agents are not a requirement for dental filling procedures, but they are highly recommended by dentists. The effects usually last only for an hour or so after the procedure is over.

The dental filling procedure

Below is an overview of the dental filling process, which can be helpful for someone preparing to undergo this procedure.

• The dentist will numb the patient’s mouth to ensure that pain is not incurred
• After the area is completely numb, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove infected parts of the tooth
• Once the infected areas are removed, the dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth out to ensure there is no debris left behind
• Lastly, the dentist will use the chosen dental material to fill the tooth. The dental material is chosen based on the patient’s desire and the dentist’s recommendation. Some of the most common material options for dental fillings include silver amalgam, gold, composite resin and porcelain

A dental filling procedure is relatively straightforward and is often done within an hour. Patients preparing to undergo the procedure should not need to take any time off from work or school. However, it is a good idea to be extra careful with the tooth. Avoiding hard foods for a day or so will allow the dental filling to set in properly.

Do you currently need a dental filling?

Dentists can use a dental filling to treat a tooth suffering from a cavity, infection, or even a crack or chip. Questions or concerns regarding dental fillings should be addressed by a dentist. Reach out today, our office is here to help you!

Request an appointment here: https://www.drzabek.com or call Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at (415) 362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.

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