Are you worried about going to the dentist? Do you fear those ominous words, “You have a cavity”? Unless you get those cavities taken care of, you could lose your teeth and your beautiful smile. Fortunately, getting a cavity filled is a relatively painless process. Here’s what happens when you get a cavity filled.
You’re Given Local Anesthesia
Dentists these days make the process of getting a cavity filled as painless as possible. You should be given local anesthesia before a dentist even injects the area where the cavity is filled with Novocain. This makes your gum and the area around where the cavity is drilled completely numb so that you don’t feel a thing.
Your Mouth Stays Open for a Long Time
About the only discomfort that you’ll feel is having your mouth open for the length of time it takes to have your cavity fixed. The dentist will use a dental hand piece to drill away the cavity and then fill the hole with either amalgam or gold fillings. Composite fillings can also be used and are popular because they are tooth-colored, but they’re not as durable as amalgam or gold.
Different fillings last different amounts of time depending on the type you or your dentist choose. Gold fillings last the longest, from 15 to 30 years, while amalgam fillings last 10 to 15 years.
Expect To Be Numb
After the procedure is done, expect your jaw to be numb anywhere from one to four hours, and you shouldn’t eat anything during this time. Otherwise, you might accidentally bite your teeth or gum.
These days, there’s nothing to fear about going to the dentist. Getting a cavity drilled is a relatively painless procedure and the best way to protect your teeth and ensure you have a lovely smile for years.