A Basic Guide To Dental Fillings: Procedure and Benefits

When plaque and bacteria build up inside the mouth, they produce harmful chemicals that damage the tooth’s enamel. When the bacteria enters inside the tooth, it infects the inner parts of the tooth, causing tooth decay. Aside from poor dental hygiene, tooth decay can also be caused by a broken, chipped, or fractured tooth.

Tooth sensitivity is one of the early symptoms of tooth decay. As the damage progresses, discomfort and symptoms increase to toothaches, swelling, tooth weakness, or even tooth loss. Patients with tooth decay can benefit from dental fillings. For dental filling near you, reach out to Trinity Dental Loft.

If you have tooth decay, you should visit a dental office near you right away. The sooner you get help, the quicker you’ll feel better, and the sooner the condition will be addressed. This prevents the chances of the condition worsening, leading to further complications such as tooth loss.

What are Dental Fillings?

Fillings are dental treatments used to restore the integrity, function, and morphology of a tooth’s structure, either from dental trauma or cavities. Your dentist will select a tooth filling material that matches your natural teeth’s color, giving you a virtually appealing smile.

What to Expect During a Dental Fillings Procedure

Getting a filling is typically a simple procedure that requires a single appointment at the dentist’s office. The filling procedure involves:

1. Initial Consultation

The first step to getting dental fillings is to visit your dentist for a checkup. The dentist will inspect your teeth and determine whether you can benefit from dental fillings. If your tooth is deeply decayed, your dentist is likely to recommend getting a dental crown.

However, if the tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, the dentist can suggest tooth extraction and replace it with a dental bridge, implant, and dentures. If the dentist clears you for the procedure, they will create a treatment plan and let you know how to prepare for the same.

2. Getting the Filling

The dentist follows these steps on the day of the procedure:

• The dentist begins by injecting a local anesthetic into the gums near the damaged tooth. A numbing gel may be applied to the gums before injecting the anesthetic.
• The dentist drills the tooth and takes out the decayed nerves and tissues from the tooth. The dentist then cleans and disinfects the tooth.
• Next, the hole is filled with a filling material. A composite filling is hardened using a special light.
• Lastly, the dentist adjusts and polishes the filling to ensure a normal fit.

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3. Follow-Up Appointments

Generally, getting a filling doesn’t always require follow-up appointments. However, it’s essential to schedule at least two dental exams and cleanings per year. Similarly, inform your dentist immediately if you notice anything unusual with the treated tooth.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

The benefits of using dental fillings include:

1. Highly Aesthetic

While there are numerous filling materials, composite resin materials are available nowadays to ensure a naturally appealing effect. Traditionally, cavities were treated by amalgam fillings, giving them a silver or gold color. While it does the functional work, it doesn’t blend well with your smile, primarily when used for front teeth restorations.

2. Easy, Painless, and Quick to Get

As we’ve seen above, a dental filling can be placed in a single dental appointment. Besides, dental anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

3. Long-lasting

If well placed and taken care of, fillings can last for more than a decade. The material of the fillings also determines the lifespan of the filling. For instance, composite fillings last for about 5 – 10 years. Silver amalgam fillings last for nearly 15 years.

4. Easy to Maintain

To preserve your tooth and ensure long-term protection, fillings should be cared for. Thankfully, you don’t need to do anything out of your daily dental routine. Practice proper dental hygiene and habits, and schedule regular dental exams and cleanings.

5. Restores Your Oral Strength and Functionality

When your tooth is severely damaged, it can weaken or wear out. Filling the holes of the tooth with fillings restores the tooth’s strength and functionality, allowing you to chew properly.

Final Verdict

If properly installed and cared for, dental fillings will restore and protect your smile for a decade or longer. If you’re looking for dental fillings in Dallas, TX, contact Trinity Dental Loft today to book your appointment.