Few people put making an appointment to see the dentist at the top of their priority list. Many people feel that regular dental checkups aren’t that important, as long as there isn’t a visible problem or they aren’t experiencing any pain. Others are afraid of what the dentist might find, or worse, afraid of the dentist office. There are many reasons for putting off a visit to the dentist, but having a cavity shouldn’t be one of them. While a cavity may seem like a small problem, it can quickly become a serious issue. Time is of the essence, and a dental filling can be applied quickly.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is used when your tooth becomes worn, cracked, or when a portion of your tooth is decayed. Applying a dental filling is a very common procedure, and the process can usually be completed in just a single office visit. Occasionally more than one tooth will need to be filled, or additional dental work is needed before applying the composite filling material. If your dentist feels that the required dental restoration work will take more than one visit, your dentist will most likely put a temporary filling into place for the tooth or teeth in question in order to prevent any pain or further decay from occurring in between visits.
What Is Involved in Filling a Tooth?
Before beginning the process of filling your tooth, your dentist will perform a thorough examination to ensure no other teeth need repairing. After examining your teeth, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth in need of repair and the area around it. Once the examination is completed, the dentist will remove the decayed matter within the tooth using a dental scraper or other tool, and examine the tooth area once more to ensure all dead matter has been removed. This process also removes any bacteria that have been causing the decay, leaving a clean surface for bonding. A dental composite or amalgam will be used to fill the hole and bond the tooth to prevent further decay or breakage. Once the tooth-colored dental composite or amalgam has dried, any rough edges will be smoothed and the area will be polished to match your natural tooth.
Caring for Your Dental Fillings
After your filling has been placed, you may be asked to brush gently and avoid flossing for a few days to ensure the filling does not come loose. After the time specified by your dentist has passed, it is important to maintain proper dental hygiene. Use toothpaste with a fluoride additive and floss daily to avoid any further instances of tooth decay.
Occasionally a filling may come lose or become dislodged. If this happens, it is very important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist right away in order to prevent any further tooth decay from occurring.
If you have a cavity that needs to be filled, or if you have a filling that has come loose, email or call Kenneth Hill DDS at (702) 897-7267 today for a consultation.