Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-provoking situation for many people. Whatever the reason for your dental-related anxiety, it’s important to address it so you can receive the dental care you need and be as relaxed as possible during treatment.
Dental fillings are a routine part of modern dentistry, but if you’ve never had one before you may wonder, do dental fillings hurt? Get answers, and calm your mind by learning more.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Tooth fillings are one procedure dentists use for dental restoration; they help restore a compromised tooth’s integrity and function.
Most commonly, dentists use tooth fillings to address tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in your mouth attack the outer layer of your teeth, the enamel. This can damage the tooth, creating cavities which become worse and bigger if left untreated.
The dentist prevents this decay from spreading by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a hard substance. This addresses the issues that would otherwise result from leaving the decay untreated, such as severe discomfort, infection, or tooth loss. The longer you leave this decay untreated, the more work will be required to address it.
Sometimes, a dentist will use tooth fillings for minor cosmetic dental corrections, repair a part of a broken tooth, or repair damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding.)
Gordon Family Dental uses mercury-free composite dental fillings to give you the most natural-looking smile. Composite fillings are durable without having the same disadvantages as traditional amalgam fillings.
What Do Dental Fillings Involve?
Filling a tooth is a simple process. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums using dental X-rays to determine the extent of the tooth decay.
Before the procedure, your dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. The anaesthetic may take a few minutes to start working.
The dentist then places a rubber dam around the tooth to prevent moisture from impacting the restoration.
The dentist uses a drill handpiece to remove decayed tissue, and after the area is flushed out, dried and shaped, readying it for the composite filling.
Dental fillings are layered incrementally and hardened with a specialised light to build up the tooth’s filling. Once the tooth is filled, the dentist will polish and shape the filling material to look and feel like your normal tooth.
Do Dental Fillings Hurt?
So, do dental fillings hurt? The short answer is no; they shouldn’t. The dentist will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process, and in most cases, will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area before starting.
Sometimes tooth fillings can feel sensitive directly after treatment. You may find that the filled tooth is more sensitive to air temperature, chewing and hot or cold foods. Most of the time this sensation disappears within a couple of days or a week, but if it doesn’t discuss your symptoms with a dentist, there may be an underlying dental issue that needs to be addressed.
Restore Your Smile at Gordon Family Dental
Get quality mercury-free tooth fillings and premium care from our professional dental staff at Gordon Family Dental. We’re here to give you your dream smile. Call us today on (02) 9159 6163 to arrange your appointment.
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