Is it painful to get a cavity filled?

    One of the most common operations that dentists conduct is filling cavities. The procedure has been improved and is almost ideal, so it is typically a non-invasive experience with a very short recovery period.     On the other hand, fillings can also be a source of stress and anxiety for a lot of people. A significant portion of this worry comes from the patient's lack of understanding and the things that they do not know.    

Is getting a cavity filled painful? 

The answer is no, and that's the short version. The majority of fillings do not cause any discomfort at any point during the treatment. This is the outcome of using numbing drugs that are quite effective.     Dulling the Discomfort  Your dentist will use a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, benzocaine, or epinephrine, to numb your tooth, gum, and jaw. These chemicals will prevent nerves from delivering any pain signals from your mouth to your brain, so you won't feel any discomfort as the dentist begins to drill. You can feel a little discomfort that feels like a minor sting, but that is simply an indication that the anesthetic is working.     Advice for Pain and Recovery  It usually takes only a couple of days to recuperate from a regular cavity filling. You may feel some slight pain and discomfort during this time. This is caused by the nerve adjusting to the new filling in your tooth. It is also normal to feel some stiffness in your gums and jaw. In the end, all of these side effects are usually minimal and should not interfere with your daily life. An over-the-counter pain killer can help reduce a lot of this agony.     Additionally, you can lessen or even prevent pain during your recuperation by following these straightforward suggestions.    

1. Stay Away from Extremely Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks: Your tooth has just been drilled a little bit, therefore it is sensitive and does not want to be disturbed again. This indicates that the tooth that is impacted will be extremely sensitive to meals and drinks that are hot or cold. While you are recovering, it is advisable to consume water that is at room temperature and to avoid drinking water that is either hot or cold.

2. Soft Foods Are Best: Another suggestion for recuperation is to refrain from placing pressure on the tooth that is impacted. To give that side of your mouth a break for a little while, it is recommended to avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. In the same way, it is best to eat soft foods during this short period of healing. Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as chips and raw vegetables, can irritate your tooth or potentially harm the new filling.

3. Do Not Try To Swallow The Pain Away: This last suggestion is a little strange, but it tackles a typical impulse that individuals have when they are in pain. For some people, "tonguing" (which means licking your teeth hard with your tongue) and sucking the affected tooth are natural responses to the pain and soreness they are feeling in their mouth. This method will simply lead to further discomfort and aggravation.

   If your teeth continue to hurt for longer than a week or if the discomfort becomes severe, it could be a sign of an infection or another consequence.     What is the point of taking the risk? Filling a cavity Is Preferable to the Alternative  If you are still concerned about getting a filling, it can be helpful to learn about the reasons why someone would need to have one in the first place. We have cavities, so we need fillings. Cavities are areas of deterioration in teeth that show up as little holes on the surface of the tooth. Plaque is a type of harmful bacteria that sticks to your teeth and feeds on leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat. The acids that are released by plaque are what cause them.     If cavities are not filled and left untreated, the decay can grow so serious that it reaches the nerve inside the bone, resulting in excruciating pain. If the cavity expands and reaches the gum, it can also cause severe discomfort and perhaps an infection, which can ultimately result in the complete death of the tooth.      When cavities reach this stage, the required treatments become more serious, including root canals and extractions. These procedures are much more painful than getting a filling. Consequently, a filling is always the best alternative with the fewest adverse effects.     You don't have to be afraid when you go to the dentist to get your cavities filled or to get other oral health issues treated. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, we have a team of dental specialists who are both highly qualified and compassionate. They can take care of all your dental needs. If you need a cavity filled, make an appointment with our in-house specialists at Summerlin Dental Solutions in Las Vegas. You can schedule an appointment for today by calling (702) 341-9160 OR BOOK ONLINE!    GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN

Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted 15- time Best of Las Vegas from The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.

With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning.  Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens.  She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.

Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.