For some children, a trip to the dentist can cause a lot of anxiety. Even getting your teeth cleaned or a small cavity filled can be a source of stress. People also avoid the dentist because they fear of pain. In fact, some people will avoid having a cavity filled because they think it’s going to hurt without sedation.
Read on learn how dental fillings can be done without sedation.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Fillings are used to help ease the pain and significantly slow the progression of tooth decay. Cavities are a minor form of tooth decay, but get progressively worse overtime. If left untreated, tooth decay can affect deeper levels within the tooth and possibly affect the nerve. The filling essentially gets rid of the cavity to preserve the tooth and mouth healthy.
How Does a Dentist Fill a Cavity?
The process of filling a cavity depends on deep it is. If the cavity only affects the superficial layer of the tooth, it’s usually a quick fix. However, if the cavity is deep and spread across multiple teeth, filling them does take longer. However, that doesn’t mean it will be painful!
Do Fillings Hurt Without Sedation?
Although most dentists do use needles to inject anesthetic, it’s important to note that the injections are virtually painless. Needles are now much thinner, almost as thin as a piece of thread. This allows for painless injections and reduces the need to sedation.
Because your child’s teeth have roots and nerve endings in the gums, it’s important to anesthetize both the affected tooth and surrounding gum to help keep your child comfortable during treatment. However, with so many different types of topical and injectable numbing agents available, the need for sedation only arises in specific situations.
However, it’s important to note that everyone is different and has varying pain thresholds. For this reason, your child may need more or less anesthetic to have a cavity filled. Our pediatric dentist in Bellevue, WA, Dr. Yu Ong, will work alongside your family to determine the best course for your child based on their particular circumstances and needs.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist Near You?
If you are interested in scheduling your child for a dental exam or a dental filling we are here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact our pediatric dental office in Bellevue, WA! Our team is committed to providing gentle and experienced care for children throughout Bellevue, WA. We look forward to helping you!
