Most people receive at least one dental filling during their lifetime. If you think you’ll need one soon, you might be worried about whether you’ll feel any pain before, during, or after the procedure.
Some sensitivity is normal during this process, but pain can also be an indicator that a filling needs to be redone. Let’s look at how you should feel during each phase of the process and when pain should be considered a red flag.
During the Procedure
Before beginning work on your filling, your dentist will numb your gums around the affected tooth with a topical gel. Then, they’ll inject that site with a strong local anesthetic.
Once this area is frozen, you won’t feel anything in that location. You may even have a hard time pronouncing words or moving your mouth. This is completely normal and will protect you from any discomfort while your dentist works on your teeth.
The Day After
The anesthetic will start to wear off after a few hours and fade completely by the next day. At this point, you might feel a little discomfort in your newly filled tooth. It might be sensitive to hot and cold specifically or achy in general.
This pain should be mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If it’s severe or makes it difficult to eat and speak, call your dentist for a follow-up appointment. Your filling may need to be redone.
Days Later
After a few days with your new filling, you should no longer feel any pain. There are a few reasons why the pain might linger:
- There may be some decay left within your filled tooth.
- Your filling may be placed too high on the tooth, causing the filled tooth to absorb more of the impact from your chewing force than it normally would.
- You may have a condition called irreversible pulpitis and need a root canal.
- You may have a crack in your tooth.
All of these problems can be treated, but they won’t go away on your own. Call your dentist, let them know what’s going on, and ask them to schedule a follow-up appointment. Depending on your symptoms, they may need to see you as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Visit Coscarella Family Dentistry for Fillings and Follow-Up Care
Dental fillings are necessary treatments for tooth decay and can last many years with good home care and regular check-ups. Don’t let fear of pain stop you from getting the treatment you need. The dental team here at Coscarella Family Dentistry will make sure you have a great experience during every check-up, cleaning, or filling appointment. Contact us today to book an appointment and get started.
