The first thing that should be noted is what a tooth cavity actually is. A cavity is a permanently damaged area in your tooth that can potentially turn into a tiny hole. These small holes can lead to infections or diseases in the mouth. Some of the signs a cavity may be forming and needs to be filled include; tooth sensitivity, throbbing or sharp pain, floss string tears, or food continually getting stuck between one’s teeth. Depending on the person, a cavity may take six months or four to five years before it needs some sort of attention or treatment.

Does filling a cavity hurt? 

In short, no, it does not generally hurt to have a cavity filled. Dentists use a quick process to get a patient ready for a cavity filling. The process is as follows; the dentist will first dry out the area on your gum where the numbing gel and local anesthetic will be placed. The second step is to apply the numbing gel to that dried area. The final step is to administer the local anesthetic, which is commonly lidocaine. By doing this process step by step, dentists ensure the comfort of their patients during the actual filling of the cavity. After the procedure is completed, the patient may find that the area is a little tender or sensitive. In the long run, though, cavity fillings will create a much more comfortable and pain-free feeling in the patient’s mouth. 

What is the safest dental filling?

It is important for a patient to be fully aware of their options when it comes to cavity fillings. There are a few different options available, such as; porcelain inlays, cast gold, and composite resin. Although these types of cavity fillings do the trick, the number one recommended and safest dental filling is silver amalgam. This type of cavity filling is generally recommended due to the longevity of the filling. Silver amalgam tends to last much longer than any of the other cavity fillings. The only downfall of choosing silver amalgam is the fact that it does not blend in with natural teeth as well as different types of cavity fillings. Silver amalgam is usually used for teeth that are seen less, such as back teeth. 

If a patient wants to have the cavity fillings blend in with their teeth a bit better, then composite resin is the way to go. This type of cavity filling is generally used for front teeth or any tooth that may be visible to others. The only downfall is that using composite resin for cavity fillings may not last as long as silver amalgam. 

How long should fillings last?

Depending on the type of material that is used, cavity fillings could last from ten to fifteen years or maybe even longer. There are many factors to take into account when it comes to the lifespan of cavity fillings. The main factor to consider is the type of material used. As mentioned above, using silver amalgam for cavity fillings usually lasts longer than any other material. From there, the lifespan will decrease with each different material.

A few other factors to consider would be if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw. There are ways to diminish these habits and prolong the life of cavity fillings. For example, wearing a tooth guard while you are sleeping can assist with the longevity of cavity fillings. Keeping an eye on cavity fillings around the ten to fifteen-year mark is ideal. Some of the signs the cavity fillings may be going bad include mouth pain, bad breath, or simply checking out if the fillings are still intact. 

All in all, cavity fillings are an extremely good part of dentistry. They can alleviate pain or discomfort that someone might have in their mouth. Taking care of your teeth before things get worse can eliminate things like infections or diseases later down the road. Cavity fillings do not hurt because dentists use a very simple, effective process to ensure the comfort and safety of their patients.

There are also many different types of materials that can be used for cavity fillings, with silver amalgam being the more recommended and safest. Depending on the type of material used for cavity fillings, they can last for ten to fifteen years or maybe even many more years to come. It is important for patients to be aware of all of their options and weigh the pros and cons of each. Feeling secure with the options, the procedure, and the aftercare is crucial.

Cavity fillings are a wonderful and sometimes necessary part of dentistry. If conducted correctly, cavity fillings will provide a healthier and happier life for the patients.