When you have a cavity, it can be a daunting thought to visit your dentist in Bundoora to get it filled. One of the biggest concerns people have is whether the dental filling will hurt. However, it is generally not a painful procedure, as anaesthetic is used to prevent any discomfort. The dental filling procedure is done relatively quickly and should only take up to 1 hour to complete, often less. In that time, your dentist in Bundoora will remove decayed tooth substance and fill the area with a suitable material. This blog post details the steps involved to help you feel more comfortable about the procedure.
Step 1 – Desensitise
The area of the affected tooth is desensitised with a jelly-like substance that is rubbed over the gums. This will make your mouth feel numb, helping to dull the sensation of the numbing injection into the gum of your cavity-infested tooth. This injection will ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. You dentist may or may not also use laughing gas (nitrous oxide) if you experience extreme anxiety at the thought of dental procedures.
Step 2 – Decay Removal
The decay will be removed from the tooth with the use of a laser, drill or air abrasion instrument. While the idea of a drill doesn’t thrill most people, you can rest assured that the numbing cream and anaesthetic already applied will make the procedure completely painless. After the decay is gone, your dentist in Bundoora will clean the tooth in question carefully to remove all decay.
Step 3 – Filling is Made
After removing decay, a space is left in the tooth which will need to be filled by a suitable material such as composite resin. The filling’s job is to prevent further decay and shield the tooth from the effects of bacteria. After the filling is placed, your dentist will file and smooth out the tooth. They’ll also advise that the anaesthetic will keep your mouth numb for a couple of hours longer. During that time, do not eat hot food or beverages. You should also avoid using the affected tooth until the numbing wears off. Your tooth may be somewhat sensitive for up to a week after the procedure.
Contact Bundoora Family Dental Clinic for Help with Cavities
If you have a cavity and you feel nervous at the prospect of having a filling done, there’s no need to fear – we’ve helped many of our clients overcome their worries and feel completely comfortable during their filling procedures. We also offer a range of other dental services such as a general check-up and clean, teeth whitening, root canal and tooth extraction. To learn more or make an appointment with our dentist in Bundoora, call us on (03) 8560 1697.