Cavities form when the acids in your mouth erode your tooth’s protective enamel, forming a hole in the surface of the tooth. When left untreated, tooth decay progresses deeper, affecting the dentin beneath the enamel and causing pain and sensitivity. An effective way to repair damage and restore the tooth’s structure is with dental fillings. When performed early enough, they prevent more serious decay, reducing the need for root canal treatment or tooth extraction. However, it’s common for patients to worry that dental fillings will be painful because they’ve had negative experiences at the dentist before. But do dental fillings have to hurt?
At Carter-Rockbridge Dental, we do everything possible to minimize discomfort. Our goal is to never hurt you during your dental treatment!
What Are Dental Fillings?
Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing with proper technique, helps keep your teeth healthy. But sometimes, daily care gets inconsistent or simply isn’t enough to prevent a cavity from forming.
Tooth decay (also called dental caries) happens when bacteria in plaque on your teeth feed on sugars and make acids. These acids slowly eat away at the enamel, leading to cavities.
When cavities ultimately cause pain, treating them can help you feel like yourself again!
Dental fillings are a very common treatment for small cavities to prevent them from worsening and requiring more complex intervention.
Fillings are restorative, repairing damage caused by caries. But they’re also preventive, stopping decay in its tracks.
To rebuild the tooth’s structure, Dr. Stingley removes the decayed portion and fills the cavity with a strong, tooth-colored material called composite resin. With this material, she restores your oral function and prevents additional decay without drawing attention to your dental work like old silver fillings did.
The Dental Filling Procedure
Whether you or your child needs a cavity filled, we do everything we can to prioritize patient comfort. Here’s what to expect from the dental filling process:
First, Dr. Stingley will perform an exam and possibly take X-rays to develop your treatment plan. Then, she will numb you with an injectable local anesthesia. She has perfected her technique for administering anesthesia to make it as comfortable as possible, leaving your mouth completely numb.
Next, she will remove decay in the tooth. It was once true that dentists had to use a drill to remove all damaged enamel. But our office is different. It’s equipped with a Waterlase® laser. So in some cases, Dr. Stingley can replace the harsh drilling sound and feel with a cool water mist and a light, gentle vibration.
Once she removes all decay, she will fill the hole with a tooth-colored material and cure it with a special light to seal it to the tooth.
Then, she’ll polish the tooth to smooth out the rough edges. Finally, she will check your bite to make sure it feels normal in your mouth.
It’s that simple. With the improved Waterlase experience and Dr. Stingley’s gentle hand, many patients tell us that the procedure was easier than they anticipated!
What To Expect After Getting Dental Fillings
So, what happens after your filling is complete? Before leaving the office, you should expect Dr. Stingley to explain how you should take care of your teeth. She’s committed to doing dental work that lasts and helping you keep it that way! That’s why she’ll advise you on best practices to keep your teeth strong and healthy through proper brushing and flossing habits.
Once you head home, you’ll notice that the anesthesia should wear off within a few hours of the treatment. While you may experience mild soreness and sensitivity, this should subside soon after. It’s fine to take an over-the-counter painkiller for relief, if you need it.
Most importantly, once you’ve healed, you’ll feel far less pain and sensitivity, and your tooth will look whole and natural again.
At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, we understand that dental fillings can feel intimidating, so we focus on keeping you as comfortable as possible during and after your visit. When Dr. Stingley places a filling, her goal is to relieve your pain, not cause it! And at the end of your visit, and during future ones, she will teach you about the best ways to prevent cavities and keep your smile bright and healthy.
At our practice, we’re all about prevention, restoration, and education!
Get Your Oral Health Back on Track!
Cavities may be common, but discomfort during treatment doesn’t have to be. When treated early, dental fillings stop decay, restore your bite strength, and help you avoid more complex procedures down the road. At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, your comfort, education, and long-term oral health are always our priority.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or simply need a routine checkup, we invite you to schedule a visit with Dr. Stingley!
