Answers for Basic Questions about Cavity Treatment

by Kevin Smith Author

Treating cavities is a fact of life for the vast majority of people; no matter how diligently you keep your teeth, it is rare that someone escapes life unscathed without the need for at least one dental procedure to address a cavity or decay issue. Most people, however, have preconceived notions of what cavity treatment is all about. If you have the need for a small or large dental filling in St. Petersburg, FL, here is a brief summary of what you can expect if you have to have cavity treatment.

What Is Needed

This depends on the size of a cavity and what you dentist feels will address the problem, the extent of the damage to the tooth or teeth, what procedure will not weaken the tooth or teeth and what will give you the longest possible period where the treatment remains viable. Every cavity is different and because of that, there is no “standard” for treatment. Some dentists will recommend fillings, others will recommend crowns. Still, others will recommend other options, based on the criteria above and what they specialize in.

Getting a Filling Is Not Usually Painful

Unless a cavity is right near the gum line, getting a cavity is generally not painful. Of course, the extent of the damage and the condition of the patient’s mouth are significant factors, but filling most cavities is not painful because there is not a lot or deep penetration of the tooth enamel. Very deep fillings can hurt if they are near the nerves inside of your teeth, but when that is the case, there are pain treatment options for during the procedure and afterward. Your dentist will recommend what treatment they feel is best.

When you are under anesthesia, you will not generally feel any pain. You can, however, feel some discomfort from pressure, grinding, cutting and yanking on your teeth to prepare them for the treatment your dentists recommends. If you are nervous about the shot of anesthesia, the Dentist can numb the injection region a bit by using numbing cream.

The Procedure Is Pretty Quick

It depends on what dental procedure you are getting, whether it is the only one you are receiving and if there are any mitigating circumstances that might affect the time it takes for your treatment, but generally, getting a filling is pretty simple and quick. In the vast majority of cases, the most time-consuming part of the process is waiting for the anesthesia to kick in.

Many people who have the need for a large dental filling in St. Petersburg, FL or other significant dental work have basics questions about the procedure their dentist is recommending. If that is you, these answers can give you a basic understanding of what to expect.