Are Fillings Painful, or Can Dental Work Be Comfortable?

If you’re wondering are fillings painful, you likely have some degree of tooth decay and should be treated right away.

While it’s understandable to fear the pain of dental care, it should never cause you to go untreated, as the situation will only get worse. So, what’s the scoop on fillings?

Are Fillings Painful, or Can Dental Work Be Comfortable?

Dental fillings are used when a tooth has a cavity that can be repaired by removing the decay and “filling” in the space. Fillings can also be used to repair broken or cracked teeth. Generally, fillings should not be painful during the procedure. The first step to a dental filling is numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This means that the patient shouldn’t feel any pain from the procedure, only some pressure and possibly slight discomfort.

After the procedure, you may feel some pain associated with the healing process and the nerves in the gums being previously exposed. Of course, if you feel any pain after the procedure that is persistent, contact your dentist right away to discuss the best course of action.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

Dentists do everything they can to make the patient as comfortable during the procedure, including using local anesthetics. Sometimes, patients aren’t comfortable with novocaine injections and think that is the only way to get dental work done.

Conscious sedation can be used in this case. This is a process that will help ease both the body and the mind. It will numb the area without the use of needles, and you are still able to stay awake during the procedure. This is especially useful for people who feel uncomfortable being asleep in the dentist’s chair.

Feeling More Comfortable About Fillings to Prevent Further Decay?

Using local anesthetics and / or conscious sedation can help you feel more comfortable while you’re undergoing dental work. If you have cavities and are in need of fillings and want to further discuss sedation options, please call us today at 301-917-3964. Are fillings painful? They don’t have to be, and they aren’t when you come to Hackley D.D.S. and Dental Spa. Let us bring back your smile comfortably!