The procedure for getting a tooth filled is generally painless thanks to modern dental practices. A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair tooth structure damaged by decay, often called a cavity. The goal is to remove the diseased material and seal the area, preventing further bacterial invasion. Local anesthesia is a standard part of the process, effectively eliminating the sensation of sharp pain during the actual work.
Eliminating Pain Through Local Anesthesia
The first step in pain management involves applying a topical anesthetic gel, such as benzocaine, to the gum tissue. This temporarily desensitizes the surface of the mouth, minimizing the initial discomfort when the injection needle is introduced.
Once the surface is numb, a local anesthetic, commonly lidocaine or articaine, is injected near the nerves supplying the tooth. These medications block sodium channels within the nerve cell membranes, stopping the nerve from transmitting pain impulses to the brain.
The dentist waits five to ten minutes to ensure the area is completely numb before starting work. The numbing effect typically lasts one to two hours, sufficient time for most routine filling procedures. This profound numbness ensures the patient is unable to feel sharp pain during the removal of decayed material.
Sensations Experienced During the Procedure
Even though the area is profoundly numb, the absence of pain does not mean the absence of all sensation. Patients should expect to feel pressure, which results from the dentist applying force to the jaw or tooth with instruments. The nerves responsible for pressure and touch are not entirely blocked by the local anesthetic.
Patients will also notice the vibration and sound produced by the dental handpiece, or drill, as it removes the decayed tooth structure. The vibration transmitted through the jawbone does not indicate a failure of the numbing agent. Additionally, the use of water and air to keep the tooth cool is felt as a cool, wet sensation.
These feelings of pressure, vibration, and temperature change are separate from pain signals. Understanding these sensations are normal helps manage expectations and confirms the numbing is working effectively.
Understanding Post-Filling Sensitivity
While the procedure is painless, temporary sensitivity is common once the local anesthetic wears off. This post-filling sensitivity manifests as sharp, momentary pain when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures, or discomfort when biting down. The primary cause is temporary irritation and inflammation of the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing the nerve.
This irritation occurs because the decay removal and filling process involves working close to the nerve, especially with deep cavities. The nerve needs time to recover from the procedure. For most people, this sensitivity is mild and temporary, resolving within a few days or up to two weeks.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can manage initial discomfort. If the pain is severe, constant, throbbing, or worsens instead of improving after a couple of weeks, contact the dentist. This could indicate an issue like a high spot on the filling or persistent nerve inflammation.