Dental filling is a form of restorative dental treatment that is used to repair cracked, broken or decayed tooth. Misuse of the teeth and certain dental disorder such as teeth grinding (Bruxism) can damage your teeth enamel. The teeth enamel is the outermost and strongest part of the teeth, poor oral hygiene can wear down or destroy the protective layers of your teeth.
Enamel demineralization and destruction usually result in tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. However, there are numerous dental filling materials that cosmetic dentistry dentists can use to repair damaged tooth enamel, such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, tooth-colored composite resins, and glass Ionomer.
Although, all these materials have their unique prices, advantages and disadvantages. The prices can vary depending on the extent your tooth decayed or damaged. On my previous article, I tried to explain more about tooth filling materials. I listed the advantages, disadvantages and estimated costs of each of these filling materials. Don’t worry, I will reveal some of this things to you before the end of this post.
Well, I am not here to talk about dental amalgam or materials for tooth fillings. I am here to show you the procedures and steps of installing tooth fillings for cavities. You will also learn about the things that you might experience after getting some dental fillings for cavity treatment. But that’s not all, you will also know how to take care of your teeth fillings after getting them.
Tooth Filling Process
When you visit your dentist for a filling, the first thing that he will do is to carry out a close examination on the affected teeth to determine the best way to install your teeth fillings. This examination helps the dentist identify tooth decay, cavities, and potential tooth loss. The dentist may use dental tools and x-ray if necessary for this examination.
Dental probe, caries detecting liquid, and X-ray are used to locate cavities and determine the severity of tooth decay. This information helps the dentist assess the need for cavity filling and prevent tooth loss.
However, dental fillings are only recommended for minor fractures and decay, such as cavities. Dental crown, implants, and root canals are used for more severe cases that may cause pain. The dental filling procedure helps seal off the cavity, preventing further decay and damages to the affected teeth. It is an effective and cost-efficient solution for addressing cavities.
Secondly, after dental examination, you will have to choose the filling material that you want. Just like I said earlier, there are different types of tooth filling materials that you can select from. Your dentist can help you to understand more about this. You can refer to my previous article on > top tooth filling materials.
Next, after you and your dentist have agreed on the tooth fillings material to use for cavity treatment, the dentist now has to create openings on your teeth where the filling will be installed. The decayed or damaged tooth and its surrounding areas are all prepared for the dental care procedure. The dentist will probably give you some sort of anesthesia or numbing agent to help reduce the pain as he drills your teeth to treat cavities.
Depending on your dentist’s choice of instrument, a drill or laser can be used for dental fillings treatment to remove the decayed area caused by cavities. After making an opening, he will sterilize the area, preparing it for the amalgam fillings. The holes will now be filled with the chosen filling material.
How long does it take to complete a filling?
The time to complete a tooth filling process may vary depending on the extent of the damage or the material used. Amalgam filings is quite popular and it’s among the easiest when it comes to installation. It takes about 30 – 60 minutes to complete amalgam fillings. Composite and glass Ionomer fillings are more complex and takes longer time to install. Gold fillings can take more than two visits to your dentist before it will be completed. So, the time to complete a filling can be determined by the material used.
How long can a filling last?
There are temporary and permanent fillings for cavities and tooth decay. Temporary fillings are not meant to last, typically only lasting up to 1 month. After this time, it is necessary to replace them with permanent fillings such as inlays and onlays. These permanent fillings are more durable and can last up to 15 years or more with proper dental care.
Amalgam fillings also known as silver fillings last for at least 10 to 15 years and usually outlasts composite fillings. (1) Composite and glass Ionomer fillings are much more similar, they last for at least 5 to 7 years. Furthermore, gold fillings is quite expensive but they worth it. It’s highly durable lasting more than 15 years without corrosion and side effects. However, composite and glass Ionomer fillings don’t last long enough like other filling materials. But most people go for these fillings (composite and glass Ionomer) because they are designed to match the exact color of your natural teeth.
How does tooth fillings hurt?
During or some few minutes after getting a tooth filling for cavities, you will not feel any pain because of the anesthesia. The dentist will give you some medications that will make you feel comfortable when performing the fillings.
You will only start to feel pain after the filling must have been completed, when the anesthesia starts to wear off. The pain after tooth filling is very common and your dentist already know about it. After receiving a filling, the dentist will recommend suitable pain relieving medications for you. If after taking your medications and the pain didn’t seem to be going away. You should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
How do I take care of my dental fillings?
Not taking good care of your fillings can negatively affect their durability and increase the risk of cavities. You should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice every day to prevent cavities. Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleaning are also important to prevent cavities. Additionally, it is advisable to limit consumption of hard, sugary, and sticky foods to reduce the risk of cavities.
Constant tooth sensitivity and visible cracks in your fillings shows that there is something wrong with your fillings. If you notice any of these signs, you should call your dentist and tell him.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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