Dental problems require immediate attention, or they get worse. So if your tooth decay went unnoticed, it might have developed into a cavity. This black hole in your tooth will require dental intervention before the decay spreads to your tooth pulp. Otherwise, you can experience infection, pain, swelling, and more. The teeth-filling procedure is usually used to stop the tooth cavity in its tracks. Your dentist might have suggested this treatment for improving your tooth’s condition. But do fillings hurt?
In this blog, we’ll give you a detailed look at fillings. This way, you can learn if cavity fillings hurt or not.
Will Tooth Fillings Hurt?
Your dentist can inform you on what to expect when getting a filling. Though they’ll give you a numbing gel, anesthetic, etc., you might feel slight discomfort. However, fillings don’t necessarily hurt since you are under an anesthetic.
The numbing gel dentist applies before the procedure is to numb the gums around the tooth. Thus, your tooth tissue does not become numb. Some people might not feel pain during the procedure after the gel is applied. However, sometimes, you might feel discomfort during the procedure. Inform your dentist immediately if any discomfort occurs; they’ll give you an anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
Below, we’ll mention some factors that might determine the amount of pain you’ll feel:
1. How Big & Deep the Cavity Is
Tooth decay occurs in stages, starting from a small white spot. If you spot the cavity early on, your dentist can treat it before it leads to irreversible enamel damage. This is why you should never miss your dental examinations and cleanings, so you can reverse early-stage cavities and identify other problems. Your dentist will need to remove more decay if the cavity is deep. Therefore, it will take longer to fill since the cavity might be close to the tooth’s nerve. In short, deep cavities can cause more pain during the procedure. Nevertheless, your dentist can give you an anesthetic, so you don’t feel anything.
2. Where the Cavity Is
Cavities can form in three places:
- Sides of mouth (smooth surface cavity)
- Biting surfaces of the molar (pit and fissure cavity)
- Near tooth’s root (root cavity)
The location of the cavity might impact whether your fillings hurt or not. When caught early, cavities are treated easily with minimal discomfort. Root cavities might cause more pain if they spread. This is because they can spread to the pulp. Moreover, gum disease is also a cause of these cavities. Your dentist will numb the area before the filling procedure, so it doesn’t hurt. However, for periodontal issues, you’ll need gum disease treatment to reduce the symptoms.
3. How Many Cavities There are
If you have multiple cavities, your dentist might suggest filling them all at once. The procedure could take a long, possibly resulting in additional discomfort. Consequently, you may feel slight jaw pain. Still, your dentist can ensure you feel minimal discomfort by giving additional anesthesia.
What’s Next?
If you have noticed the signs of a cavity, it’s best to visit a dentist immediately. You might need one or more fillings to treat the cavity. Moreover, the fillings won’t hurt since your dentist applies numbing gel or injects anesthetic. Our Pearland Family Dentistry team ensures all your procedures are effective and safe — so you don’t feel a twinge. Contact us at (832) 649-7344. You can also meet us by dropping by at 11508 Pearland Pkwy Suite 600, Houston, TX 77089.