Are Dental Fillings Painful?

Many people feel scared about dental procedures, especially because they think that they will hurt. This is normal, but you actually have nothing to be afraid of. While many people wonder “are dental fillings painful?”, the reality is that they are rarely as bad as people may think.

During a filling you are unlikely to feel a thing. A filling does not happen in areas of the tooth where there are nerves, so you shouldn’t feel any more pain from the procedure than you would feel from cutting your hair. No nerves = no pain. Of course, some people have more sensitive teeth or require deeper fillings that come closer to the nerve. That’s why an anesthetic is used to numb your mouth during the procedure. A numbing gel generally allows the dentist to give an anesthetic injection pain-free that ensures the area will not feel anything. It’s an extra precaution to ensure that you don’t experience any pain from a filling.

Sometimes people do, however, feel an ache from the injection or the procedure after the anesthetic wears off. This sensation rarely lasts long, and by the next day, you should feel good as new or even better. After all, your dentist removes the decay in the tooth exposing you to pain. The filling protects you, so you won’t feel that pain anymore.

Is There Sensitivity After a Filling?

While there may not be sharp pain after a filling, your tooth may be a little sensitive for a week or so after the procedure. Common sensitive tooth triggers, such as hot and cold foods, air temperature, and the pressure of biting can make you feel a mild ache. Don’t worry. This isn’t an indication of anything bad. All it means is that your mouth is adjusting to the filling.

Some people immediately adjust to the fillings, but other mouths take some time to get accustomed to its presence. People who need a little more time to acclimate to the filling can experience some sensitivity when doing certain activities like eating or drinking. This should resolve itself within several weeks and can be minimized by avoiding particularly hot or cold foods for the first few days after treatment.

If you are feeling anxious about getting a filling, it may help to speak to one of our dentists in person. We are happy to answer all your questions and honestly explain what you can expect from the filling procedure. In the end though, a filling will always hurt less than letting a cavity grow. Don’t neglect your health due to your fears. Our dentists will make getting a filling a breeze.