The prospect of having a dental filling carried out is not one that is likely to fill anyone with a great deal of joy. Quite to the contrary in fact, given the way in which fillings have historically been regarded as one of the more unpleasant experiences the average person may go through at the dentist’s office.
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that not only have things come a long way over recent years, but that fear of the unknown generally makes things appear worse than they actually are. For those who are to undergo fillings for the first time, the prospect can be particularly daunting as they have no frame of reference. You do not know what to expect, which stories to read into and what will happen afterwards. Which is precisely why most approach the procedure with a head full of worries, only to find that it wasn’t in fact nearly as unpleasant as they expected.
Of course, the very best advice is to use the very best toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash for preventing cavities on a regular basis, in order to avoid tooth decay in the first place. But when and where it becomes apparent that you are likely to need a filling, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with exactly what to expect both during and after.
During the Process
While it would be untrue to say that fillings are enjoyable as such, it’s unlikely that the procedure will be anywhere near as unpleasant as you may think. It is a relatively simple four-step process, which these days tends to be extremely different than dental filling procedures of years gone by.
The process will most likely look something like this:
- Local anaesthesia– first of all, it is likely that you’ll be provided with a local anaesthetic, in order to numb the area to be worked on. If you haven’t had any kind of dental work carried out for some time, it may surprise you to learn that the injections used today are infinitely less painful than those you may be used to.
- Tooth decay removal– after this, the dentist will then use a drill (or in some cases a laser) to remove tooth decay in and around the area to be treated. It is during this process that a specific shape will be made in the tooth, into which the filling will be placed.
- Filling – during the process or prior to the procedure’s beginning, a mixture will be created which will be used to fill the cavity in the tooth. Though soft at the time of application, the mixture quickly hardens to protect the tooth.
- Polishing – after the filling has been applied, it is simply a case of cleaning up the area that has been treated and giving the tooth a good polish.
Any patients that are particularly nervous may be offered something in the way of a light sedative before the first step in the process, in order to help them relax. Generally speaking though, once you have experienced just how simple and comfortable it is to undergo a filling these days, it is unlikely you will be nearly as nervous next time.
After the Procedure
In terms of what to expect after the procedure, it is common for teeth to feel somewhat sensitive or a little sore in the immediate hours or days after the filling was performed. It’s rare for such discomfort to become in any way severe, but at the same time it has the potential to make drinking and eating somewhat uncomfortable.
Which is precisely why it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with a few helpful after-care tips, in order to know exactly what to do to minimise discomfort.
- Bite softly and chew slowly – you’d be surprised just how much pressure is put on your teeth every time you bite down on pretty much anything. This is why it is in your best interests to be mindful when it comes to both biting and chewing after you have a filling. Not only will biting softly and chewing slowly help minimise pain and discomfort, but it will also minimise the likelihood of you causing any damage to your new filling. If your filling happens to be on the right-hand side of your mouth, try chewing on your left.
- Close Your Mouth – if it happens to be particularly cold at the time you have your filling performed, you might want to remember that cold air also has the potential to trigger pain and discomfort in sensitive teeth. As such, it’s generally advisable to keep your mouth closed in the immediate hours and days after the filling, breathing through your nose instead.
- Oral Hygiene – you need to ensure you keep up an appropriately high standard of oral hygiene, but at the same time ensure you are using the most appropriate products. The most important of all is to invest in the very best toothbrush for sensitive teeth, as anything else may lead to pain, discomfort or even damage to the filling.
- Avoid Certain Foods – there are certain foods it is a good idea to avoid entirely for at least a few days after a filling. The reason being that there are certain fillings that can easily become damaged or dislodged, due to the fact that it takes them a few days to fully harden. Suffice to say therefore, absolutely anything that is particularly sticky, abrasive, sharp or hard should probably be avoided for a while, just to be on the safe side.
- Temperatures – while your teeth are particularly sensitive, you may find it uncomfortable to eat or drink anything that is particularly hot or cold. Instead, try to stick with foods that are of a moderate temperature – especially in the immediate hours after the filling is performed.
- Avoid sweets – last but not least, excessive sensitivity can also be triggered by sugary soft drinks and foods, which along with causing pain at the time can also promote the growth of bacteria around or even inside a recently filled tooth.
For more information, get in touch with your dentist for an informal chat about fillings.
