The dental filling is a popular procedure in restorative dentistry. It is often required to repair a tooth that is affected by cavities or decay. If the general dentist has suggested getting a dental filling, you may want to learn more about the process.
A filling covers a hole in a tooth or repairs a slightly chipped tooth to its original condition. The dentist will perform the procedure using composite resin materials that bond to the teeth.
Sometimes, patients may not notice any sign that they need a filling, which is why routine dental checkups are essential. Anyone experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain when eating cold, hot, or sweet foods or drinks may have a cavity that needs to be filled. Toothache is a common sign of a cavity, and the pain can radiate from the gums to the jawbone.
Applying a dental filling requires two primary processes. First, the dentist will clean out the damaged tooth of any decay or disease. Removal enables the new filling to be positioned and bonded to the tooth. After the dentist administers local anesthetic, patients will hardly feel anything throughout the treatment. A filling should not hurt, but the patient may experience unsettling sensations from the dentist's drill.
If a tooth's root is somewhat close to the gum line due to significant decay, a dentist may choose to place a dental linear, which can be fabricated from glass ionomer or composite resin. The purpose is to prevent damage or exposure of the nerves.
Second, after the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and polished, the dentist will place the filling on top. A specialized instrument is used to cure the various layers of tooth-colored fillings.
The good news is that fillings need little effort to maintain. Patients should continue with standard dental hygiene practices, including regular dental checkups, twice-daily tooth brushing and flossing, and prompt communication of any changes with the dentist. Fillings do deteriorate with time, however, and need to be changed.
Filling a tooth is mostly painless because of the local anesthetic used. After the treatment, the tooth may feel somewhat sensitive, and the gums may feel tender and bruised. The sensitivity will get better within a few days. If the symptoms persist, contact the dentist for advice.
In the past, amalgam fillings were often used to fill a decayed tooth. Nowadays, dentists mostly use tooth-colored composite resin. The composite bonds well with the tooth to improve its strength, and the material is customizable so the treated tooth does not look different from the other teeth.
Sensitivity often increases just after getting a filling and can linger for around two to three weeks. It will get better and easier to bear with time. An OTC pain reliever is helpful if the sensitive tooth makes it uncomfortable to eat or speak, but this is unnecessary for the vast majority of patients.
Mild and short-lived pain is typical. Avoiding precipitating events like very cold or very hot substances is one way to keep it under control. As an alternative, patients may use toothpaste specially formulated to relieve sensitivity. The dentist may need to adjust the filling if the discomfort and sensitivity do not go away as expected.
Mercury amalgam fillings are made from multiple metal elements, including zinc, copper, and liquid mercury. However, they are not natural looking, and there have been disputes, albeit mostly unfounded, about the safe use of these fillings. Patients who have mercury fillings can visit the dentist to have them replaced with composite fillings.
With proper care and maintenance from the patient and dentist, composite fillings can last for several years before needing replacement. To get the most out of dental fillings, patients need to be proactive about their oral health through regular brushing and flossing and visit the dentist regularly for professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. It is also advisable to eat a healthy diet with minimal refined and unrefined sugar.
If you are experiencing a toothache or suspect that you might have a cavity, book an appointment with the dentist for a dental filling procedure. After the treatment, your tooth should be free of decay and plaque. If you have additional questions about the process, the general dentist will be happy to help.
Request an appointment here: https://marquettedentistry.com or call Marquette Dentistry at (713) 777-9865 for an appointment in our Houston office.
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