Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used by dentists to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or general wear and tear. When bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel of a tooth, it creates a cavity. To address this, dentists remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the resulting space with a dental filling. Teeth also often chip and crack over time from the stresses of chewing food, which can be “patched up” with filling material.
Types of dental fillings
There are different types of dental fillings, each with its own unique benefits.
Amalgam Fillings:
Also known as silver fillings, they have been used for decades and are composed of a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are durable and can withstand the forces of chewing, making them suitable for molars and premolars.
Some people ask should amalgam fillings be removed and the short answer is generally no, unless they have deteriorated and are no longer functional. Amalgam fillings are very rarely used in dentistry today, but still exist in teeth worldwide.
Composite Resin Fillings:
These are tooth-coloured and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for visible areas such as front teeth. Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings as they are bonded directly to the tooth.
The composite material is the consistency of toothpaste, which flows into the tooth cavity and can be shaped to fit the tooth perfectly, then hardened by a special blue light. They are strong enough to withstand the forces of chewing for up to five years or more.
Ceramic Fillings:
Ceramic or porcelain fillings offer excellent aesthetics as they closely resemble natural teeth in colour and texture. They are stain-resistant and provide durability comparable to composite or amalgam fillings. Ceramic fillings are often used for inlays or onlays that cover larger areas of decay or damage.
Glass Ionomer Fillings:
Glass Ionomer fillings release fluoride over time, which helps prevent further decay in the surrounding tooth structure. These types of fillings are commonly used in children’s dentistry or for teeth which are very prone to recurrent decay. They can also be used as a temporary filling during treatments such as Root Canal Therapy, or when decay has spread too close to the nerve and needs to be protected.
Each type of dental filling has its own advantages and considerations based on factors such as location within the mouth, aesthetic preferences, budget constraints, and personal oral health needs. Your dentist will guide you in determining the most suitable type of dental filling for your specific situation.
The procedure
The process of getting a dental filling involves the dentist numbing the area around the affected tooth, removing the decayed portion using a small diamond-tipped drill, and then filling the cavity with the chosen material. The filling is shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth and is hardened using a curing light. The dentist will then polish the filling so it is smooth and fits the bite of the other teeth.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The experience of getting a dental filling typically involves minimal discomfort or pain. Before the procedure, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring that the patient doesn’t feel pain during the filling placement.
The initial part of the injection might cause a slight pinch or sting, but the numbing effect sets in quickly. Throughout the filling process, patients should only feel pressure or vibrations from the dental instruments without experiencing pain.
In some cases, after the anesthesia wears off, individuals may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The overall goal of the local anesthetic is to make the dental filling procedure a relatively painless and comfortable experience for the patient.
After getting a dental filling
It’s common to experience some sensations and changes in the treated tooth and surrounding areas. Here’s a overview of what to expect:
Numbness:
The area around the treated tooth may remain numb for a few hours after the dental filling procedure. This is due to the local anesthesia used during the treatment. It’s important to be cautious during this time to avoid accidentally biting or injuring the numb area.
Sensitivity:
It’s normal to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after a dental filling. This sensitivity is usually temporary and may last for a few days. Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate this discomfort.
Possible Discomfort:
Some people may experience mild discomfort or soreness at the site where the local anaesthetic was injected. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your dentist. If the discomfort persists or worsens, it’s essential to contact your dentist.
Adjustment Period:
The filled tooth might feel slightly different, especially if the dental filling involved a significant portion of the tooth structure. You may need a short adjustment period to get used to the new sensation when biting or chewing. If it feels like the filled tooth is biting higher than the other teeth, please contact the dentist to have this adjusted as soon as possible.
Avoidance of Certain Foods:
Your dentist may recommend avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, as well as sticky or hard foods, immediately after getting a dental filling. This is to prevent unnecessary stress on the filled tooth during the initial recovery period.
In some cases, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that the filling is settling in properly and to make any necessary adjustments.
It’s essential to communicate any concerns or unusual sensations with your dentist. Overall, after getting a dental filling, most people resume their normal activities pretty well straight away. It’s important to follow post-treatment care guidelines provided by your dentist.
Summary
Dental fillings help restore the structural integrity of the tooth, preventing further decay and preserving its function. Regular dental checkups are essential to identify and address cavities early on, reducing the likelihood of more extensive dental procedures.
Overall, dental fillings play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by addressing tooth decay and preventing the progression of dental problems.
Herald Avenue Dental Centre in Willetton
If you are experiencing a toothache or have noticed an existing filling that needs attention, please get in touch. To make an appointment or get more information, please contact us or book online. We are located in Willetton, Perth WA.
