Tooth fillings offer a simple approach with little to no pain. This dental restoration treatment has long been the standard for restoring and rebuilding teeth damaged by cavities, injury, or minor imperfections such as chips or cracks. When considering different dental restoration options, it is a good idea to get familiar with how each procedure works. This gives patients the ability to weigh their options and make an educated decision about their oral health.
A tooth filling is a procedure done to literally fill a tooth that has an empty space or spot in it. The filling itself is made up of a chosen material, which may be gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, composite resin, or dental glass. The patient will decide on the material during the consultation with the dentist.
Gold is a strong and reliable material that rarely requires replacement or repair. Porcelain, on the other hand, is the most common option. It is white in color, which ensures a natural-looking restoration and it is much stronger than composite resin or plastic.
A tooth filling procedure requires a few steps, However, for the most part, it is easy, simple, and next to painless. First, the dentist will numb the patient to ensure that they feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Then, once the patient is numb, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove infected, decayed, or broken parts of the tooth. The patient will likely feel pressure and slight discomfort during this part of the treatment process; however, it should not feel painful. After removing the damaged part of the tooth, the dental team will clean the tooth to ensure there is no leftover debris.
The chosen filling material will be used to fill the top of the tooth, sealing off the empty space. Finally, the dentist will use a special light to harden and seal the material. They may also polish it or file it down to ensure the patient can bite and chew evenly.
After a tooth filling procedure, the patient can get back to normal routine. While there is no recovery time required, dentists do recommend avoiding eating foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy as these could damage the freshly filled tooth and the filling material. Some patients may also experience slight sensitivity, which can be remedied with a prescribed oral rinse or toothpaste. Additionally, the tooth may feel sore for a day or so afterward. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be used to remedy any discomfort.
Do you have further questions about the tooth filling process? The The Wilhelm Dental Group team is here to answer them. Call our La Plata office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistlaplatamd.com or call The Wilhelm Dental Group at (240) 622-3547 for an appointment in our La Plata office.
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