Tooth pain is no fun. If you’ve ever had a deep cavity or a very sensitive tooth, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Sometimes, a regular dental filling isn’t enough to help the tooth heal. That’s where medicated fillings come in.

At Lake Baldwin Dental, we want to make sure you feel calm, cared for, and fully informed about your dental treatment. So today, let’s talk about medicated fillings: what they are, how they work, and when you might need one.

What Is a Medicated Filling?

A medicated filling is a special type of dental filling that does more than just fill a hole in your tooth. It also helps soothe and protect the inside of your tooth, especially the nerve area.

There are several types of medicated fillings that work in slightly different ways. For example, glass ionomer cement releases fluoride to strengthen the tooth and prevent a cavity from coming back. We sometimes use it as a cement under another type of restoration like a crown, or as a temporary filling.

Zinc oxide eugenol is another type of dental cement that can be used as a temporary filling or cavity liner. It has antiseptic and soothing properties that make it a great option when a cavity is very deep and the pulp inside a tooth needs help healing.

Newer materials like bioactive calcium silicate-based materials have also shown great promise in helping us save teeth that may otherwise have been unsalvageable in the past.

In general, you can think of medicated filling as a little “bandage” for the inside of your tooth. They help reduce pain and gives your tooth the best chance to stay healthy.

When Would You Need a Medicated Filling?

Not every cavity needs a medicated filling, but there are some cases where it’s the best option. You might need one if:

• Your cavity is very deep and close to the nerve.
• Your tooth hurts, even without eating or drinking anything.
• You feel extra sensitive to hot or cold foods.
• You have a cavity in a baby tooth (medicated fillings are great for kids).
• Your tooth is irritated but might not need a root canal yet.

If we notice that your tooth is inflamed but not infected, a medicated filling can be the perfect way to give it time to heal. In some cases, it can even help you avoid more extensive procedures like a root canal treatment.

What Is the Process of Getting a Medicated Filling?

Getting a medicated filling is a lot like getting a regular filling, and we do everything we can to make the process easy and comfortable.

First, we gently numb the area around your tooth so you don’t feel any pain. Then we carefully remove the decay or damaged part of the tooth. Once the tooth is clean, we place the medicated material inside. This layer helps protect the nerve and ease any inflammation.

Sometimes, we’ll place a temporary filling on top of the medicated material. That gives your tooth time to heal before we place a permanent filling or crown later.

The whole process usually takes less than an hour, and you’ll leave the office knowing your tooth is getting the care it needs.

What Are the Benefits of a Medicated Filling?

Medicated fillings offer several great benefits, especially for teeth that are close to needing more advanced treatment. Here’s why we love them:

• Pain relief: They help soothe irritated nerves and reduce tooth pain.
• Protection: They protect the inside of your tooth from further damage.
• Healing support: They give the tooth a chance to recover naturally.
• Preventive care: They may help you avoid needing more invasive procedures.
• Kid-friendly: They work well for children with baby teeth.

It’s a smart, gentle way to treat a tooth that’s struggling but not quite beyond repair.

What Happens After You Get a Medicated Filling?

After your visit, your tooth might feel a little different for a few days. Some people notice mild soreness or sensitivity, especially when eating hot or cold foods. That’s normal, and it usually goes away quickly.

We’ll often schedule a follow-up visit in a few weeks to check how your tooth is healing. If everything looks good, we may place a permanent filling or crown. If your tooth still feels sore or the nerve doesn’t heal as expected, we’ll talk about the next steps to keep your smile healthy.

Either way, you’re not alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Medicated Fillings for Kids

Children often get cavities in their baby teeth, and while these teeth do eventually fall out, they still need care. If decay in a baby tooth gets close to the nerve, a medicated filling can help protect the tooth until it’s time for it to naturally come out.

This is a gentle, effective treatment for children. It helps prevent pain and infection and supports better oral health while their permanent teeth are still developing.

We know that dental visits can make kids (and parents!) nervous, so we do our best to keep every visit calm, quick, and positive. Medicated fillings are just one of the many ways we care for little smiles.

Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain! We’re Here to Help.

If you’re dealing with a toothache or your child is complaining about a sore tooth, don’t wait. A medicated filling could be the perfect solution to stop the pain and save the tooth.

Our dental team is here to help you feel better with the right treatment at the right time. We’ll always explain your options and answer all your questions. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable about your care.

If you think you might need a medicated filling, or just want to get a tooth checked out, give us a call today. Let’s get your smile back on track so you can keep smiling, Orlando!