Cavities are one of the most annoying yet common dental problems of all. In fact, they’re so common that about 90% of adults in the United States get cavities. In a way, it’s a rite of passage, one that leaves your oral hygiene severely disturbed. Thankfully, though, there is a very easy way to seal off a cavity-infested tooth, and that is through dental fillings. But no matter how simple it may seem, dental procedures can be painful. So, does filling cavities hurt or not? To find out what it feels like to get your bacteria-crusted tooth filled, keep on reading this blog.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth because of bacterial infestation. It is a sign of tooth decay and can permanently damage the tooth’s surface as enamel does not grow back. Cavities are usually the result of eating too many sugary snacks and neglecting your oral hygiene.
What Do Fillings Do?
Dental fillings act as a cover to keep the cavity from spreading since it is quick to catch on. Once it escapes, it can go from one tooth to the other, disrupting your oral health. That is why a filling is the perfect solution to ensure your tooth doesn’t get damaged further.
The dentist scrapes out the affected matter from your tooth before cleaning the area out and filling it with your preferred material.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are quite a few types of dental fillings out there. While some are cheap and just used for improving the aesthetics of your teeth, others are a bit more expensive but long-lasting, such as:
- Silver Amalgam Filling
- Tooth-Colored Composite Resin Filling
- Gold Filling
- Porcelain or Ceramic Filling
- Glass Ionomer Filling
Does Filling Cavities Hurt?
People who have never gotten a filling before are often wary of the procedure. But let us put your worries at ease. Dental fillings are painless. It does not hurt when you are getting your cavities filled. You might experience slight discomfort or pressure as the dentist cleans the tooth, but there’s no actual pain.
Not to mention, dentists use local anesthesia to ensure the surgery site is numb before operating. If you still feel sharp stinging pain, let your dentist know so they can take proper measures to prevent this from happening.
Can You Eat After A Cavity Filling?
You may not be able to eat immediately after getting a filling. Usually, you have to wait for the anesthetic effects to wear off and the filling to set before eating. However, it also primarily depends on the type of filling you get and the material used. Thus, make sure to ask your dentist about how long you need to wait after the filling to be able to eat.
Final Takeaway
All in all, filling your cavities does not hurt at all. It’s a pretty painless procedure and is usually over in just one sitting. For more information, contact Smile Designs Dentistry at any of the following locations:
- Manteca Location: 295 Spreckels Ave, Manteca, CA 95336
Contact Number: (209) 780-4777 - Pleasanton Location: 1400 Santa Rita Rd, Suite# D, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Contact Number: (925) 234-4421