It’s going to make noise and look a bit scary – but it’s totally painless, so don’t fret! Your dentist might use an intraoral camera to show you what’s happening, so you can satisfy your cavity curiosity. It’s time to fill ‘er up!
Is it scary to get a cavity filled?
It’s going to make noise and look a bit scary – but it’s totally painless, so don’t fret! Your dentist might use an
intraoral
camera to show you what’s happening, so you can satisfy your cavity curiosity. It’s time to fill ‘er up!
How bad does getting a cavity filled hurt?
Do cavity fillings hurt? Although you can expect some tenderness and soreness during the first few days after you get a tooth filled,
they shouldn’t
. It’s a good idea to call your dentist if that discomfort persists for more than a week. Your dentist can adjust the filling, so it’s a better fit.
Is cavity filling easy?
This may seem daunting, but the procedure for tooth cavity filling
is relatively easy and forthright
and is performed in the dentist’s office. If you have an appointment, you should plan to be with the dentist for at least an hour.
Do tooth fillings hurt?
While patients report slight discomfort during a filling,
it is uncommon to experience severe, intolerable pain
. As previously mentioned, this is a very common procedure for dentists to perform and modern dentistry has alleviated much of the pain once associated with getting a filling.
Do fillings hurt without numbing?
Fillings done in a tooth that has a previous root canal treatment will not need local anaesthetic, as the tooth has no nerve anymore.
Repairs done to fillings also usually do not require numbing
, as little tooth preparation or cutting is needed.
What to expect after a deep filling?
It is common to experience
sensitivity to air and to cold or hot food
(or drink items) for up to three weeks after a dental filling. You may also notice increased sensitivity from the pressure of biting on the new dental filling, particularly if the dental filling is for a deeper cavity.
Do dentists lie about cavities?
A cavity is a cavity and there should be no difference between two dentists, right? The
answer is not always
. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray.
How long do fillings last?
Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles. They are customized to match your enamel to blend in when you smile. Although they aren’t made from metal, they are durable. They generally last
10 to 12 years
before needing to be replaced.
Is a cavity a hole?
A cavity is
a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay
. Cavities form when acids in the mouth wear down, or erode, a tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel). Anyone can get a cavity. Proper brushing, flossing and dental cleanings can prevent cavities (sometimes called dental caries).
Should you feel pain during a filling?
During a
filling you are unlikely to feel a thing
. A filling does not happen in areas of the tooth where there are nerves, so you shouldn’t feel any more pain from the procedure than you would feel from cutting your hair.
How many fillings is normal?
The typical American has
three dental fillings
while one in four Americans has 11 or more dental fillings.
Do I need a shot for a small cavity?
Having a cavity filled only requires a single office visit. During the visit, the area to be treated will be numbed so you feel no pain during the procedure. Most dentists will do this by giving you a
shot of a local anesthetic (like Novacaine) in
the gum area near where they will be working on your tooth.
How many times can a filling be replaced?
A patient with resin fillings may need to replace the fillings
every seven to 10 years
. Silver or amalgam fillings are also popular due to their durability and affordability, lasting an average of 15 years.
Do I need a needle for a filling?
During this procedure, the area of your mouth where the dentist will be working will usually be numbed using a
local anesthetic
. This is done using a needle filled with the anesthetic, although some dentists will first rub a topical gel on the gums so that the needle causes no pain.
