Does it hurt? No. With modern anesthetics, you are more likely to get bored than to feel pain.
When do you need it? When there is sensitivity (cold/sweet), floss that breaks, or a visible hole.
Black or White? White (resin) fillings are now the “gold standard”: invisible and extremely durable.
Lifespan: A quality filling lasts 5-10+ years.
They say a smile is the window to the soul, but tooth decay is the “silent enemy” that threatens to close it.
Tooth decay does not appear suddenly. It is the result of bacteria that feed on sugars and produce acids. These acids erode the enamel (the hard outer shield).
Stage 1: No pain (yet).
Stage 2: If it reaches the nerve, the pain becomes sharp and you may need a root canal.
In our clinical experience, the 3 “warning bells” that ring are:
The “Stabbing Pain”: Sudden pain when you drink cold water or eat chocolate.
The Floss That Snags: If your dental floss shreds or “gets stuck” in the same spot every time, there is usually hidden decay between the teeth.
Visible Cavity: A grayish spot or hole that you can feel with your tongue.
The short answer is: No.
“Many patients come in trembling with fear. The most common thing, though? By the time we reach the middle of the procedure, they have relaxed so much that they are about to fall asleep in the chair!”
To achieve this, we follow the “Pain-Free Anesthesia” protocol:
We apply a special gel (strawberry or mint flavor) to the gums to numb the area before the injection.
We wait patiently for it to take effect.
We administer the anesthetic slowly, so that you do not feel pressure.
Many people ask us: “Doctor, do the white ones last just as long?” Let’s look at the 2025 data:
It is the undisputed choice of modern dentistry.
Aesthetics: “Invisible.” They match the color of your tooth perfectly (the chameleon effect).
Retention: They bond chemically to the tooth, “tying together” its structure, instead of simply being wedged into the hole.
Less Drilling: They require us to remove minimal healthy tooth structure.
The problem: Besides the aesthetics and the issue of mercury, the metal tends to expand over the years. This often causes cracks (fractures) in the walls of the tooth, something we frequently see in old fillings.
Time: 30-45 minutes.
Preparation: We start only when you give us the OK that you are completely numb.
Cleaning: We remove the decay.
Pro Tip (The secret to success): We always use a Rubber Dam (elastic isolator).
It is a small rubber sheet that isolates the tooth. It keeps the area 100% dry (essential for the resin to bond perfectly) and you do not swallow water or materials. Win-win!
Filling: We “build” the tooth layer by layer and harden it with a special blue light (LED).
Polishing: We smooth the filling for a natural feel.
When can I eat?
As soon as the anesthesia has completely worn off (usually 2-3 hours later). Why? If you eat while you are numb, there is a serious risk of biting and badly injuring your cheek or tongue without realizing it.
Is it normal to have pain?
Slight sensitivity to cold for 2-3 days is normal.
⚠️ When to call us immediately:
If, as soon as the anesthesia wears off, you feel that the tooth is “higher” when you close your mouth (as if it touches first). Do not wait for it to “settle” on its own! It needs a simple 1-minute adjustment at the office so that the tooth does not become irritated.
This is the biggest myth.
If a baby tooth decays and is lost prematurely, the space for the permanent tooth is lost, leading to crooked teeth and the need for braces later.
Tip: At Happy Tooth we don’t say “injection.” We say “we’ll put the little tooth to sleep” and we use “the tooth shower.”
At the Happy Tooth clinic, we believe that dentistry in 2025 should be an experience of care, not fear.
Do you have sensitivity? Don’t ignore it.
Are you ready to give your smile the attention it deserves? Contact us today to book your appointment and learn more about how we can help you keep your teeth healthy and bright!