Receiving Your Dental Filling at Pinnacle Dental
A radiant, healthy smile is not only a confidence booster but also a reflection of overall well-being. Dental fillings play a crucial role in restoring the functionality and aesthetics of teeth affected by tooth decay or damage, enabling individuals to enjoy a pain-free and beautiful smile. Whether it’s treating small tooth cavities (dental caries) or restoring a larger area of decay, dental fillings have become a routine procedure, ensuring optimal oral health and dental longevity.
To learn more about dental fillings, contact our Farmington dentist by calling (860) 470-3660 to set up an appointment.
The Dental Filling Process
The cavity filling procedure may vary slightly depending on the type of dental filling material used, such as amalgam fillings, composite fillings, glass ionomer fillings, gold fillings, or porcelain fillings.
Examination and Diagnosis
Our Farmington dentist begins by conducting a thorough examination of your teeth and taking X-rays to assess the extent of the decay or damage. These X-rays provide a detailed view of the affected tooth and can reveal cavities between teeth or beneath the surface. Digital imaging techniques, like intraoral cameras, may also be used to capture detailed images of the affected tooth.
During the consultation, the dentist will inquire about your symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity or severe pain. Based on the findings, our dental team will determine if a dental filling is necessary to restore the healthy tooth structure.
Numbing the Area
Before beginning the cavity-filling process, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic or numbing gel to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure without experiencing any discomfort or pain.
In most cases, a rubber dam or cotton rolls will be used to isolate the tooth being treated. This keeps the tooth dry and prevents contamination from saliva during the filling procedure.
Removing the Decay
Using specialized dental instruments, our skilled dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, ensuring that all damaged areas are addressed. The area is then thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any bacteria or debris. The tooth is then shaped and cleaned to create a suitable surface for the dental filling material to adhere to. This may involve etching the tooth with a mild acid to improve bonding.
Filling Placement
Once the tooth is properly prepared, the chosen dental filling material is applied in layers. For composite fillings, a tooth-colored composite resin material is applied incrementally and hardened using a special curing light. The dentist meticulously sculpts and shapes the filling to match the natural contours of the tooth, ensuring proper functionality and aesthetics.
Bite Adjustment and Polishing
After the dental filling material has hardened, the dentist checks your bite alignment and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper occlusion and prevent accidentally biting on rough edges. The filled tooth is then polished, providing a smooth surface that feels natural within the mouth.
Aftercare
After your dental filling is placed, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a successful recovery and prevent further complications.
Sensitivity and Discomfort
It’s common to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the procedure, especially if you received a composite filling or glass ionomer filling near the gum line. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days to a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort during the initial healing period.
Resuming Normal Activities
In most cases, you can typically resume normal activities immediately after the dental filling procedure. However, it’s advisable to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods for a day or two to prevent dislodging the new filling or causing further damage to other teeth.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly is crucial for the longevity of your dental fillings. It’s important to keep the filled tooth and the surrounding area clean to prevent further decay or the accumulation of plaque, which can lead to additional cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the dental filling procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic or numbing medication to numb the area being treated. This ensures that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, some patients may feel slight pressure or sensitivity during the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth.
A single dental filling appointment can be completed in 30 minutes to an hour. The duration of a dental filling procedure can vary depending on the size and location of the cavity being treated, as well as the type of filling material used. More extensive cavities or the need for multiple fillings may require additional time for preparation and placement of the filling material.
While dental fillings are designed to be long-lasting, there’s a possibility of a filling becoming loose or falling out over time. This can occur due to factors such as tooth decay or damage to the filling material. If you notice a filling becoming loose or dislodging, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today!
The dental filling procedure is vital in dentistry as it restores damaged teeth and promotes oral health. With various tooth filling options available, our skilled dentist can precisely place durable and aesthetically pleasing materials. By prioritizing regular check-ups and addressing cavities promptly, individuals can maintain a healthy smile and prevent further complications.
Don’t let tooth decay or damage go untreated. Contact our Farmington dentist today by calling (860) 470-3660 to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve patients living in Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, and Newington, CT!