Can You Get a Filling on the Same Day as Your Exam?

Life moves fast in St. Paul, and dental problems can happen at any time. You might wonder, “Can I get a filling on the same day as my exam?” Luckily, emergency dentists are here to help when you need quick care, so you do not have to wait for treatment.

Regular dental exams are important because they allow you to find small problems before they can get bigger. However, when you start experiencing discomfort suddenly, you would want relief right away. Many emergency dentists now offer same-day fillings and other urgent treatments to give you fast help. 

However, whether you can get a dental filling on the same day as your exam can depend on several things. If you are facing an urgent dental problem, find a trusted emergency dentistry St Paul, MN, today. 

When same-day fillings are possible

If you visit the dentist for a routine check-up and have a minor cavity, the dentist may be able to treat the problem right away. However, the important thing to note here is that the cavity should not be too deep or complex to fill in one visit. 

Many clinics have advanced machines for this, such as CEREC machines, which allow the dentist to create and place a filling on the same day. This machine can make precise and custom fillings that fit your mouth quickly. 

Moreover, if the dentist has enough time and resources, they can complete your examination and create a filling in a single appointment. These cases are common in clinics where they have a well-organized team or fewer patients in a day. 

However, it is also important to know that if the cavity is large or requires a more complex procedure, you might get your work done in the second appointment. Therefore, it is always advised to ask your dentist about the options available when you go for your dental checkup.

When same-day fillings might not be possible

There might be some cases where same-day dental fillings might not be possible. If your dentist needs additional diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to understand the full extent of the cavity better, it may take a little longer. These tests are important to make sure that the dentist can provide the right treatment; however, they may take extra time. 

Some dental procedures are more complex, such as root canal treatments (RCT). If the cavity is deep and has affected your tooth’s nerve, a root canal may be needed before a filling can be placed. This type of procedure usually takes longer and may require a second appointment, making same-day fillings impossible. 

Moreover, if you have multiple cavities or severe tooth decay, your dentist might need some extra time to treat them. It takes a longer time to fill up multiple cavities; therefore, it is better to follow up with your dentist for the second appointment. This gives your dentist the necessary time to treat each cavity and make sure no tooth is left untreated. 

Alternatives if same-day filling is not possible

If same-day filling is not possible, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to complete the treatment. However, in some cases, your dentist might place a temporary filling or sealant on your tooth. 

This will help protect your damaged tooth from infection until a permanent filling is applied. This method is often used if you have a deep cavity or the procedure needs a longer time. It is important to know that temporary fillings do not last long enough. Therefore, it is important to return to your dentist for the permanent or final filling timely.

Get urgent relief for your dental needs!

You should not let a cavity ruin your day. There are many emergency dentists in St. Paul offering same-day fillings. Schedule your visit today!