Dental Fillings 101: What to Expect During the Procedure?

If you’ve been told you need dental fillings, it might feel a bit overwhelming. But knowing what to expect can keep your mind at ease. Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures and are vital in restoring your teeth after they’ve been damaged by decay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process so you can feel confident when visiting your dentist in Lapeer.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. The procedure involves cleaning out the decayed area of your tooth and filling it with a material that restores its shape and function.

There are different types of materials used for dental fillings:

• Amalgam: A durable, silver-colored material often used for back teeth.
• Composite resin: Tooth-colored fillings that blend well with your natural teeth, ideal for visible areas.
• Ceramic: Strong and stain-resistant, though they can be more expensive.
• Gold: A long-lasting option, but it requires more than one visit to complete.

Each material has its advantages, but the choice depends on the cavity’s location, size, and your personal preferences.

Why You Might Need a Filling?

So, why would you need a filling in the first place? Here are the most common reasons:

• Tooth sensitivity: If your tooth turns sensitive to hot or cold food and drink, it could indicate the need for a filling.
• Pain when chewing: A persistent toothache, especially while chewing, could be a sign of decay.
• Visible damage: Cracks or chips in the teeth can expose the inner layers to bacteria, requiring a filling for protection.
• Discoloration or dark spots: If you notice dark spots on your teeth, it could be a cavity that needs to be filled.

The key takeaway here is early detection. The sooner a cavity is detected, the easier and quicker the procedure is. Plus, it prevents the damage from spreading and affecting other parts of your tooth or mouth.

The Dental Filling Procedure: Step-by-Step

Let’s break down what actually happens during the procedure:

• Step 1: Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
• Before anything happens, your dentist in Lapeer will perform a thorough exam. X-rays might be taken to evaluate the extent of the decay. Once the cavity is located, your dentist will discuss the best filling option for you.
• Step 2: Numbing the Area
• The dentist will make use of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth for your comfort. You’ll feel a slight pinch when the injection is given, but this is quick, and it’ll make the procedure painless.
• Step 3: Removing Decay
• Once the area is numbed, the dentist will utilize a drill or laser to eliminate the decayed portion of your tooth. This ensures that no bacteria is left behind and prepares the tooth for the filling.
• Step 4: Filling the Cavity
• Once the cavity is free of debris, your dentist will fill it with the selected material and shape it to align with the natural structure of your tooth.
• Step 5: Polishing and Adjusting the Filling
• Finally, the filling is polished to smooth it out. Your dentist will check the fit and also make the necessary adjustments so that your bite feels natural and comfortable.

How Long Does a Dental Filling Procedure Take?

The timeline of the procedure may vary based on the type of filling and the size of the cavity:

• Amalgam fillings generally take about 20-30 minutes.
• Composite fillings can take 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the cavity.

Larger cavities or multiple fillings might take longer. However, most fillings can be completed in a single visit, making it a convenient and quick solution.

What to Expect After Getting a Filling?

After your tooth filling, here’s what you can expect:

• Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity to quite hot or cold for a few days. This should subside as your tooth heals.
• Discomfort: You might feel some discomfort or pressure, especially if the filling was placed in a large cavity. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
• Avoid certain foods: For the initial 24 hours, avoid chewing on the side of the filling, and stay away from sticky or hard foods to allow the material to set properly.

Recovery time is minimal. Most people return to their normal activities right after the procedure, with only minor adjustments needed.

The Benefits of Dental Fillings

There are many advantages to having a filling placed:

• Prevent further damage: A filling halts the progression of decay, preventing further deterioration of the tooth.
• Restore tooth function: With a filling, your tooth can return to its full functionality, allowing you to chew without pain.
• Improve aesthetics: Tooth fillings, especially composite ones, restore the appearance of your smile by blending in with your natural tooth color.
• Cost-effective: Dental fillings are generally affordable, especially if you find affordable dental fillings near you and they last for several years.

By filling cavities, you’re essentially protecting your teeth from further complications, like infections or abscesses, that could lead to more expensive treatments down the line.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand what happens during the dental filling procedure, we hope you feel more prepared and confident. Dental fillings are quite a safe and effective way to restore your teeth and protect them from further damage. If you need a filling or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Lapeer City Dental.

Regular checkups are essential to keeping your smile healthy, so schedule one today to avoid future dental issues.