Getting a cavity filled is one of the most common dental procedures in the world—but despite its popularity, patients often feel anxious about going to the dentist to fix a tooth affected by decay. The main concern people have is, when you get a cavity filled, does it hurt? While modern dentistry has made great strides to minimize patient discomfort, it is important to learn what to expect when you are getting ready to have a cavity filled.

In our guide, we will explain what a cavity is, delve into the process of cavity filling, and let you know what to expect during and after the procedure in the dentist’s office. Our tips will help you feel prepared for the upcoming visit to the dentist and manage any pain associated with cavity filling.

What Is a Cavity?

Your tooth can be damaged and develop a hole on its surface—this is what dentists call a cavity or dental caries. Typically, a cavity is a result of tooth decay—the process starts when you consume food and drinks that contain sugar and starch and fail to practice proper oral hygiene. In this case, the bacteria in your mouth will turn sugar into acid that will attack the enamel of your tooth.

It may take months and even years to develop a cavity—at first, you will not feel any discomfort or pain. However, once the cavity grows, you may feel tooth sensitivity, see a stain or a hole on the surface of the tooth, and experience a toothache out of the blue. In some cases, a cavity shows no symptoms—this is why it is so important to visit the dentist regularly.

Steps to Fill a Cavity

Wonder what is involved in the cavity filling process? Here is a short outline to help you understand how dentists deal with cavities:

• The dentist examines the patient’s oral cavity. Sometimes, this is done with the help of an X-ray to see hidden cavities
• A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth
• The dentist uses a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser to get rid of the decay in the tooth
• Once the damaged part of the tooth is removed, the dentist cleans the bacteria from the internal cavity and fills it with a dental filling made from gold, silver, porcelain, resin, glass, ionomer, or another material
• After the cavity is filled, the dentist will ask the patient whether their bite feels normal and make adjustments to the dental filling if necessary

Does It Hurt to Fill a Cavity

Patients often worry about the pain associated with cavity filling—here is how you will feel during and after the procedure:

• Dentists do their best to make the procedure pain-free—you may feel a little discomfort when the dentist is drilling the tooth, but the anesthetic will minimize the pain
• If the cavity was deep and large, you may feel pain in the affected tooth after it is filled—it is possible the filling is not aligned properly. In this case, you should return to the dentist and adjust the filling
• Let your dentist know you are feeling anxious about the upcoming procedure—they may prescribe pain medication you can take after the cavity is filled

Taking Care of Your Teeth After a Cavity Filling

What should you do after the cavity is filled? Here are a few tips to follow:

• Do not eat solid foods for at least six hours after the dental appointment—stick to soft foods that do not require chewing
• Avoid hot and cold drinks for a day—your teeth may be sensitive to extreme temperatures
• Be careful when you brush your teeth—use a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse your mouth with salt water if your gums are bleeding
• If the pain does not go away within three days, you should reach out to the dentist. In case the filling was not properly sealed, the dentist will remove and replace it

Main Benefits of Cavity Filling

Not certain you should fill a cavity. Here are a few advantages of this procedure:

• Save the tooth. If the decay is not addressed on time, you may end up losing the tooth—fill the cavity to restore the tooth structure.
• Relieve the pain. A cavity often leads to a toothache—once you fill the cavity and eliminate the bacteria inside the tooth, the pain will be gone.
• Improve oral health. Prevent future dental issues and avoid infections by filling the cavities as soon as the dentist discovers them.

FAQs

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole that appears in the tooth enamel due to tooth decay—the buildup of plaque in the mouth can lead to this issue.

What Are the Signs You Have a Cavity?

You may have a cavity if your tooth is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and you feel a toothache when you bite or chew food.

Is It Painful to Fill a Cavity?

Thanks to local anesthesia, which dentists use to numb the tooth, patients nowadays can fill their cavities without any pain.

How Long Does It Take to Fill a Cavity?

On average, it takes a dentist 20 minutes to fill a small cavity—if the cavity is large, the procedure may last for an hour.

What to Do After Your Cavity Is Filled?

Refrain from eating hard food, continue your oral hygiene practices, and see a dentist if the pain persists for several days.

Feel Comfortable With Dental Care by Newport Smile

We hope that our guide has helped you realize cavity filling is not as scary as it seems—nowadays, dentists can take care of their patients and ensure their comfort during dental procedures. It is crucial to address tooth decay as soon as possible—if left untreated, this issue may lead to severe consequences for your health.

Are you looking for a skilled dentist to fill your cavity and receive personalized dental care? Reach out to Newport Smile to schedule an appointment—our professionals will be happy to assist you!