Dental fillings are one of the most common ways that cavities are treated by dentists. For cavities that are mild to moderate, dental fillings are the most appropriate route to take. Additionally, it is one of the most straightforward procedures to perform. With that, it is helpful to have an understanding of what goes on during the procedure. Keep reading to find out more.
Below is an outline of what one can expect during a dental filling procedure. This information should be reviewed by individuals who may need to have teeth treated for cavities.
Preparing a tooth for a dental filling is relatively simple. First, the patient is given an anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding areas. Then, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and a dental drill or laser is used to get rid of the decaying parts of the tooth. What is left is an empty cavitied tooth, with the roots and nerves exposed. Because of this exposure, a dental filling is required. Before the material can be placed, the dentist will gently clean out the cavity of the tooth as well.
The type of material that is used for the dental filling will vary based on the dentist's recommendation, the patient's preference, and what is ultimately most suitable for the tooth. Material options include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, and in some cases, composite resin. Generally speaking, composite resin is used to fill teeth that may later fall out, such as in pediatric patients.
Once the desired material has been placed within the tooth, the dentist will seal it off using another special material and a light. This helps to cure the tooth and the material so that it is protected and ready to go.
Lastly, the dentist will check the tooth and the surrounding area to make sure there is nothing left behind that could cause irritation. The dentist may rinse the oral cavity to rid of any left behind remnants.
After dental fillings have been placed, it is highly recommended to avoid tough or chewy foods for a few days. This ensures that the filling material will not be pulled out, which would result in the need for it to be replaced.
It is also advised to avoid extremely sugary beverages or those that are hot or cold. Both options could cause discomfort and damage to the newly placed dental filling.
As far as hygiene goes, dentists recommend carefully brushing around the area where the dental filling was placed. The oral cavity can also be rinsed with salt water to keep any bacteria at bay.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in Marco Island, FL
Those who have cavities may benefit from consulting with a dentist about getting dental fillings placed. The dentist can perform an evaluation to determine if fillings are the appropriate route or if more serious attention is required. Any unanswered questions or concerns can be addressed by reaching out today.
Request an appointment or call Island Paradise Dental at 239-642-3233 for an appointment in our Marco Island office.
Dental crowns are an investment into oral health that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure longevity and function. Adopting a consistent oral hygiene routine can keep the crown in pristine condition. The following blog will discuss techniques to help you maintain and care for your new dental crowns.Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is crucial…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
Dental fillings are ideal for treating mild to moderate cavities. They are appropriate for patients of all ages, from young children to elderly adults. In this review, we closely examine the role of dental fillings in treating dental cavities, highlighting the different types of filings, when they are recommended, and how they compare to alternative…
An emergency dentist is a licensed dentist who focuses on treating dental emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, a loose tooth, a tooth knocked out of the socket, tooth infection, lost crown, and lost filling. This review closely examines how an emergency dentistry office can assist you.Emergency dentistry offices offer prompt treatment and specialized dental…
Emergency dentistry can tell you a lot about tooth pain. They can tell you what the cause is, how to treat it, and what to do to prevent it in the future. Tooth pain is typically a sign there is something wrong with a tooth. The pain typically lingers until the root cause of it…
