Cavity fillings normally are not painful as dentists use local anaesthetic to numb the area, however, it is quite common to feel little pressure during the operation and to experience some mild sensitivity for a few days later on.
What Cavity Fillings Really Feel Like
Most top dental websites are in agreement that nowadays dental fillings cause “almost no pain” due to the application of a numbing gel and an injection of local anaesthetic so what you actually feel is the movement and vibration of the instrument rather than any sharp pain. Also UK guidance on local anaesthesia states that no pain should be experienced, only pressure or tingling sensation as the numbness gradually wears off.
After the decay is removed and the filling is done, the majority of patients report only a slight tenderness of the tooth or sensitivity to hot, cold or biting lasting for a day or two, which usually disappears on its own without any intervention.
When Fillings Might Hurt More
Frequently, deep dental caries which are very close to the nerve can be the cause of stronger, nevertheless, temporary, sensitivity as the nerve still requires more time to cool down. In case the pain is sharp, goes on for more than a week, or interferes with the chewing process, dentists investigate problems like a “high” filling, bite issues or inflammation of the nerve that may require mechanical release or further treatment.
In order to assist in keeping discomfort at a minimum level, if you have low pain threshold and you are nervous, do not forget to let your dentist know so that he/she can provide additional numbing, work more gently and also give you personalized recommendations on how to best manage any soreness after your cavity filling.
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