When it's time to fill your cavity, Dr. Brooks will first numb the area using local anesthesia. If you're nervous about the procedure, talk to Dr. Brooks about options for managing your concerns to help you relax.

Once the area surrounding the cavity is numb, Dr. Brooks will remove the decayed tissue. Most patients report that the procedure is essentially painless. Once the decayed material is removed, Dr. Brooks will clean out any debris and place the filling in the cavity.

Your lips and gum area may be numb for the first few hours, so chew food carefully using the opposite site of the mouth from where the filling is located. Some tooth sensitivity is normal during the first few weeks after a filling. If sensitivity persists after a few weeks, contact the office. If you feel pain in the tooth when biting, come in as soon as possible as you may need to have the filling reshaped.

Don't worry if you feel some pain or sensitivity in teeth that are next to the filled tooth. This "referred pain" is normal and should subside within a week or two.

After you've received a filling, follow a regular oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing (preferably with a fluoride toothpaste) and daily flossing. If your filling breaks or falls out, call White Oak Dental immediately so it can be repaired or replaced.