Modern dentistry significantly prioritizes patient comfort during dental drilling. This common necessity is typically performed to remove decayed tooth material, clean out infections, or prepare a tooth for a filling or crown. The primary goal is to address dental issues effectively while ensuring a comfortable experience.
What You Might Feel During Drilling
Even with effective pain management, certain sensations are normal during dental drilling. You may feel pressure as the dentist works on the tooth, distinct from pain, as instruments press against the tooth structure and surrounding tissues. Vibrations from the high-speed drill are also common, transmitted through the tooth. The drill’s sound, often a high-pitched whirring or buzzing, is another expected sensation. These tactile and auditory sensations do not indicate pain.
How Dentists Prevent Pain
Dentists use several methods to prevent pain during drilling, with local anesthesia being the most common. Anesthetics like lidocaine or articaine temporarily block nerve signals to the brain, numbing the treated area and allowing the dentist to work without discomfort.
Before injection, a topical numbing gel is often applied to reduce the sensation of the needle prick. For patients with higher anxiety, other comfort measures are employed, such as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to induce relaxation. Oral sedatives, taken before the appointment, can also help anxious patients feel more at ease. These combined techniques ensure a pain-free and relaxed experience during the dental procedure.
Why Experiences Can Differ
The experience during a dental drilling procedure can vary, even when pain is successfully prevented. The extent and depth of decay play a role; a shallow cavity requires less drilling than a deep one near the tooth’s nerve. The specific tooth being treated also influences the experience, as molars can be more challenging to numb completely than front teeth.
Individual factors like pain threshold and anxiety levels can affect perception, even if no actual pain is felt. Some individuals may be more aware of non-painful sensations like pressure or vibration. These variables contribute to a unique experience for each patient.
After Your Dental Procedure
Following a dental drilling procedure, lingering numbness from local anesthesia is normal. This numbness typically lasts a few hours before gradually wearing off. Once it subsides, some temporary sensitivity in the treated tooth is common.
This might manifest as discomfort when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, or when biting down. Mild soreness in the treated area or jaw can also occur. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are usually sufficient to manage this temporary discomfort. Contact your dentist if sensitivity persists or worsens beyond a few days, or if you experience unusual pain or swelling.