Dentists all over the world use fillings to replace parts of teeth lost to tooth decay. Teeth fillings can also prevent the loss of the tooth and stop tooth pain. Besides, fillings can also cover a crack in a tooth to prevent further splitting or formation of decay in the crack. Sometimes, fillings are used for cosmetic purposes – to cover a tooth to improve its appearance. Below is more information about fillings that you should know before looking for composite fillings in Edmonton.
Before getting a tooth filling
At first, undergoing a tooth filling may seem daunting. Nonetheless, the procedure for filling a tooth cavity is relatively easy and forthright. The best place for the procedure to take place would be at a dental clinic near you. If you intend to have a tooth filling, it is prudent that you schedule an appointment with your dentist. Before the visit to the dentist’s office, know that you will be there for at least an hour. During this period, the dentist will have sufficient time to examine you for the procedure, perform X-rays (if need be), and discuss the process with you.
What is involved in getting a filling?
The filling process starts with the dentist using numbing jelly and then injecting local anesthetic in the area to be treated. Primarily, that is to numb any teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding skin. That helps in reducing the intensity of pain during the filling procedure. At times nitrous oxide gas (also called laughing gas) is utilized as an aesthetic to relax the patient for the procedure.
When numbing is complete, the dentist then removes all the decay present in the tooth. The filling then takes place where the cavity hole is filled with a material that repairs the tooth shape and prevents it from further decay. It is worth noting that your mouth may feel numb for a few hours after getting a filling.
What materials are used for fillings?
- Composite Resin – currently, the most common filling material used is composite resin. Many dentists mostly prefer it because it looks like a natural tooth.
- Amalgam Fillings – these are the fastest to place and last longer than composite fillings. Moreover, they are less expensive and have a lifespan of 10-20 years with good oral hygiene.
- Ionomers – they are tooth-coloured fillings made from glass particles blended with acrylic acids. If you are looking for a composite filling near you, your dentist is most likely to tell you that they are very natural looking but fragile. Dentists use them for very small cavities or isolated cavities between teeth.
- Gold Fillings –gold fillings are the most durable since they last more than 15-25 years. However, it is vital to note that they can be 10-15 times more expensive than amalgam fillings due to the price of gold. In most cases, it may prove to be difficult for a dentist in Edmonton to place the gold filling instantly and thus may require at least two visits.
What Happens After the Filling?
If you are looking forward to obtaining composite filling near you, do not worry about potential pain after the filling. In almost all filling cases, the pain that most patients experience occurs during the procedure instead of after the filling procedure. Some patients may feel a bit of sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. Sensitivity is completely normal because nerves in the filled tooth will send pain signals to surrounding teeth and gums. There is no need to be terrified if you feel sensitivity in the aftermath of a filling.
If you have a dental cavity that you may need filled, do not worry! You can easily receive a filling at Oliver Family Dental. Get in touch with us at any time.
