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When it comes to getting a dental filling near me Redwood City, many people worry about pain or discomfort during and after the procedure. Thankfully, modern dentistry has made tremendous advancements in pain management, so patients in Redwood City no longer have to fear this common dental treatment. Whether you’re getting a filling for a cavity, repairing a cracked tooth, or restoring an old filling, understanding what to expect in terms of pain management can help ease your anxiety.
Pain During the Procedure
One of the major reasons people fear getting dental fillings is the possible pain that one may experience during the procedure. On the other hand, your Redwood City dentist will do all he can to ensure that you have a pain-free experience. Just before the start of the filling, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, so you would not feel a thing during the procedure.
You may feel some pressure or vibrations during the procedure, but you should not feel pain. The dentist will drill carefully to remove any decayed tissue and then fill the cavity with a chosen material such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. If you do feel discomfort during the procedure, just let your dentist know and they can adjust the anaesthetic or offer more comfort.
Pain Following the Procedure
Once the procedure is done and the anaesthetic has worn off, there may be mild tenderness or sensitivity. This is normal and typically resolves within hours or a couple of days. There’s also usually some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, but it should resolve over time as your tooth heals.
However, for most of the people, the pain is minor and can be tolerated using ibuprofen or acetaminophen over-the-counter pain relievers. In case it doesn’t subside or gets worse after a couple of days, consider your visit to Redwood City dentist where the diagnosis might be further conducted. Pain might be constant when it happens since filling could be incorrectly placed; there might be an allergic reaction, or something needs further treatment.
How to Make It More Comfortable
There are several ways to minimize discomfort and ensure a smoother recovery after getting a dental filling in Redwood City:
- Follow Post-Procedure Care Instructions
Your dentist will give personal aftercare instructions. Be sure to follow these carefully, but especially on what you eat and drink. Steer clear from chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling was placed for a few hours because numbness can be caused by biting too hard on that side.
- Avoid Hot or Cold Foods
After a filling, it is best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks for the first 24 to 48 hours. Your tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes, and consuming hot or cold substances may trigger discomfort.
- Consume Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, for several hours after your treatment to prevent irritating the filled tooth. It will help in preventing any form of unnecessary pressure and strain on your filling.
- Use Ice for Swelling
If you do feel swelling or tenderness at the site where the filling was placed, place an ice pack against the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling and ease pain. Keep the ice in place for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as often as needed.
- Adequate Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is essential, even after a dental filling. Gently brush and floss your teeth, being careful around the filling area. Avoid aggressive brushing, which may irritate sensitive gums around the filling.
When to Seek Further Treatment
Sometimes, the pain may persist even after the normal recovery time. If you feel that the pain is severe, or if the sensitivity persists for a long time, or if the filling feels loose or uncomfortable, you should contact your Redwood City dentist as soon as possible. These could be signs that the filling was not placed correctly or that there is another underlying issue that needs attention.
In conclusion, pain management during and after a dental filling near Redwood City is highly effective, and modern dental techniques ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. If you have concerns about pain or discomfort during your visit, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist. With proper aftercare and pain management, you’ll be back to enjoying your healthy, restored smile in no time.