Dental fillings don’t generally cause considerable discomfort.


If you suspect that you have a cavity, you must see your dentist as soon as possible. Having the problem resolved can alleviate any pain that you are experiencing as a result of the issue and improve your overall oral health. Many people feel nervous about undergoing dental procedures such as fillings, but with modern techniques and technology, you should not feel much pain at all. Read on to find out more about dental fillings and what you can expect from the procedure…

Is the treatment painful?

If your dentist identifies a cavity during an oral examination, they will likely recommend a filling be placed as soon as possible. In most cases, if cavities are identified early, they are fairly simple and quick to repair. If your cavity is small and hasn’t extended deep into your tooth yet, you probably won’t feel much discomfort at all when it is filled. Deeper cavities, on the other hand, generally take longer to fill and might be closer to the nerve endings in the tooth. If you have a deep cavity, you may feel some discomfort. Your dentist may recommend an anaesthetic be used to numb the site of treatment before the procedure begins.

How long does the process take?

The process of having a dental filling placed is fairly quick. In most cases, the whole procedure can be  completed in an hour.

Your dentist will begin by drying the area around the affected tooth and applying a numbing gel to your gums. Once your gums are numb, a local anaesthetic will be administered with an injection. This should not cause any pain other than a very brief sting.

Once your tooth and gum are numb, your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth before cleaning and filling the hole.

Is the recovery painful? 

While you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after your treatment is complete, you should not feel any considerable pain. It is completely normal to experience some sensitivity if you eat or drink something hot or cold, and your gums may feel tender for a few days following treatment. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth gently.

If you experience any severe pain or swelling after your treatment, let your dentist know as soon as possible. In some cases, these could be signs of an infection.

How do you know if you need a filling? 

Although cavities don’t always cause pain, some warning signs could indicate tooth decay. Possible signs include white or dark spots on the teeth; pain when biting; sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks; and visible holes in the teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see your dentist for a check-up.

Even if you don’t experience any warning signs, it is a good idea to see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist will be able to identify and resolve the early stages of decay before the problem becomes more serious.

How can we help?

At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we offer tooth-coloured fillings, which are a discreet and functional way to treat cavities. They are made from a resin material, which can be colour-matched to the exact shade of your surrounding teeth for a beautiful aesthetic. To find out more about tooth-coloured fillings at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, please have a look here.

We also offer sedation dentistry, so if you are anxious about undergoing a dental procedure, this may be an option for you. We offer both nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) and Wand computer-controlled anaesthetic. Both of these options help to relieve any nervousness or pain associated with your dental treatment. If you would like to find out more about sedation dentistry at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3801 8799.