There is no need to panic if you have just found out you have a cavity; the most common treatment approach is to undergo a dental filling procedure. Dental fillings materials can be made from resin, ionomers, gold, amalgam, or ceramics and are used to replace decaying tooth material during the filling process.
Although it may seem intimidating, tooth cavity filling is a straightforward operation that is completed in the dental office. Patients who have an appointment can expect their meeting with the dentist to last for about an hour, depending on the number of teeth that require a filling. The dentist will have enough time to take x-rays, discuss the details of the procedure and conduct the procedure in this period.
To reduce discomfort, the dentist will numb the patient's gums, teeth, and adjacent skin with a local anesthetic before beginning the cavity filling procedure. They will accomplish this by applying a jelly-like material to the teeth and the surrounding area. This will cause numbness, and then anesthesia will be administered into the gum of the damaged tooth. Patients who struggle with dental anxiety can talk to the general dentist about sedation options to make their dental visit more pleasant.
A rubber sheet may be placed in the mouth by the dentist in certain cases to provide simple access to the damaged tooth. It also isolates the tooth and prevents fluids or tooth chips from entering the mouth and getting ingested.
After that, the dentist will use a laser, drill, or air abrasion instrument to remove the decaying material in the tooth. This step may seem frightening and terrible, but the anesthetics and numbing used at the beginning will greatly lessen the discomfort. The dentist will clean the region thoroughly when the tooth is completely free of decay.
A gap is left once the decaying material is removed from the tooth. At this point, the dentist will fill the gap using dental filling materials. This is to prevent germs from forming in the region and to protect the tooth from further decay. Once the cavity is filled, the dentist will smoothen the tooth to restore its shape and luster. This process only takes a few minutes.
The numbness in the mouth will last for a few hours after the dentist completes the filling process until the anesthetic wears off. To avoid injury, avoid chewing with the treated tooth or consuming hot foods at that time. It is important to remember that the filled tooth may be sensitive to cold and heat for a few days or a week following the procedure. The sensitivity will usually go away eventually.
Although dental filling procedures usually have no substantial risks, you should contact your dentist if you have any questions or worries. They will be happy to attend to your concerns. Make sure you follow the dentist's instructions to the letter. If you suspect you might have cavities, book an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://gurzfamilydental.com or call Gurz Family Dental at (909) 740-8288 for an appointment in our Fontana office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Fontana, CA.
Millions of dental filling procedures are done yearly in the United States. With it being so common, there are bound to be times when fillings will come loose, crack, or dislodge from the tooth. You may be wondering what the symptoms are and what to do if it happens to you.Dental fillings, also called restorations,…
Dental fillings are not enjoyable procedures, however, they are often necessary to restore teeth that are in bad shape. Thankfully, there are a few ways that patients can avoid having to get a dental filling altogether. Want to learn how to avoid getting a dental filling? This article outlines some important information that can be useful when…
If you find yourself hiding your smile due to imperfections on your teeth, a meeting with the general dentist for cosmetic dentist treatments can transform your smile. Whether you wish your teeth were straighter and whiter with no flaws, there are different dental procedures available to transform your smile. This article covers a few of…
A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who helps patients improve the confidence they have in their smile by addressing anything that may make them feel insecure. Examples of concerns patients often have about their smiles are stained teeth, misaligned teeth, short or uneven teeth, and more. This guide provides four questions you can ask…
Dentures help some people regain their smiles without surgery. Breaking them in is important. It is the period of making your prosthesis a part of your life. Learning how to wear your dental prosthesis is important. If you want to find out how to maintain a secure and comfortable attachment for your dentures, here are…
Dental crowns are one of the versatile restorations used in dentistry. Crowns are used to save damaged teeth that cannot be saved using less invasive procedures. Damage can occur to teeth at any time, leaving them severely compromised.Placing a crown on a tooth requires making permanent alterations by removing enamel to create a better fit.…