If your dentist tells you that you have a cavity or a chipped tooth, you will need to get a filling to protect the tooth from further decay. Getting a filling is nothing to be afraid of. Let the dental professionals at Pearl City’s Oahu Dental Care explain what to expect when receiving a filling.

First, you'll get settled and comfortable in the dentist’s chair. To alleviate boredom or anxiety during the procedure, the dentist may offer you a headset. The dentist will also go over filling basics, including what materials are best for you. This will depend on a combination of cost, function, and aesthetics.

You will then be administered a shot of local anesthetic to curb discomfort. You'll feel a touch of pressure as the needle enters your gum, and afterward, your jaw, lip, and the surrounding areas of the tooth will become numb.

During the procedure, you might feel pressure on your jaw during various points of the procedure and you will hear drilling. Some patients fear the drilling, but it is painless thanks to the local anesthetic. There will be a small suction device on hand to vacuum up saliva from your mouth so you won't have to swallow.

The dentist will then insert the filling material and place a small, hand-held heat lamp over it for a faster drying process. This is the last step!

Your mouth will be numb for about three hours after the procedure, and your filling may feel strange to the touch of your tongue at first.

The experts at Oahu Dental Care provide a full line of cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry services. They specialize in teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, root canal and tooth extraction procedures, and dentures. The in-house orthodontist also offers braces, Invisalign, and other professional dental work.

If you need a filling, make an appointment with Oahu Dental Care by visiting their website or calling (808) 732-2821 today.