Cavities happen for many reasons. But once decay destroys your tooth enamel and dentin, you need help stopping the bacteria from causing more damage. Your dentist saves decayed teeth and prevents this disease through cavity fillings and procedures like root canal therapy. These essential treatments help you maintain a full mouth of natural teeth, for your best-looking smile and healthiest bite.
When you visit your dentist at Dental Center of Norcross, you receive a dental exam in Norcross, GA. If the dentist finds signs of tooth decay during the exam, you possibly need dental X-rays. These imaging studies help your dentist understand the depth of the decay and whether you need cavity fillings or other treatments.
Do Cavity Fillings Hurt?
When patients find out they need one or more cavity fillings, many wonder if this procedure hurts. Others actually put off getting the treatment they need, to avoid discomfort. But this delay only makes the pain and injury to your tooth even worse. The earlier you undergo your cavity fillings, the lower the cost and the less pain you will experience.
In reality, cavity fillings in Norcross, GA do not really hurt that much. You receive the anesthesia you need to numb the infected tooth and area around it. After your filling, you only experience minor discomfort and must avoid biting down on hard foods for one to two days. But even after cavity fillings, you can return to your regular daily routine of work, school, or family responsibilities.
If your filling hurts a week or more after your restorative dentistry treatment, call your dentist. Minor adjustments to the filling provide a better fit and possibly relieve any discomfort. But if you feel pain or tenderness beyond this time period, you need to have your filling checked. These materials only last several years before they require replacement or you possibly need additional treatment, such as through a root canal.
What to Expect from Your Cavity Filling Procedure
Cavity fillings in Norcross, GA starts with local anesthesia, as said before. This numbs your gums and other parts of your mouth, at the treatment location. But you remain awake, alert, and able to communicate with your dentist throughout your procedure. Still, you will not feel anything while the dentist works on your tooth.
Your dentist uses a drill to remove the decayed material from your tooth. Then he or she shapes the drilled area in preparation for the actual filling. This filling consists of metal amalgam, composite resin, gold, glass ionomer or ceramic. Most people today receive composite resin fillings, as these match the natural appearance of your teeth and make your treatment undetectable when you smile, eat, laugh, or engage with others.
Once the filling material is set, the dentist smooths and polishes the tooth surface and filling material for a natural-looking finish. This usually completes your dental visit, and you go back to your regular daily routine. If you feel any pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers that your dentist recommends. But within a day, most people feel pain-free and go back to their normal functioning.
Fillings and Other Dental Care in Norcross, GA
In Norcross, GA, you receive the quality dental care you need for healthy teeth and gums at Dental Center of Norcross. This care includes prevention, treatment, and a range of services for every member of your family.
Services of Dental Center of Norcross include:
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Restorative dentistry
- General dentistry
- Family Dentistry
You can prevent any discomfort experienced during or after cavity fillings. Although these procedures do not cause real pain or downtime, you do not need them in the first place when you follow a quality daily oral health regimen. You also need to see your dentist twice yearly for additional support and prevention. Start receiving your best smile care now by calling 770.300.0031 to schedule your first visit with Dental Center of Norcross.
