What Is Dental Filling and How Is It Done
Dental fillings are used to close up cavities in your teeth. They can also be used in evening out your tooth’s surface or enhance your chewing or biting. Losing a part of your enamel due to tooth decay may lead to sensitivity. Cavity fillings can correct this.
Types of Fillings
Before getting dental fillings, it is important to ask your dentist all the questions you have, so that you can decide on what suits you beat with the help of your dentist. Materials used depends on the size of the cavity and how long you’d like your filling to last. The following are some of the dental fillings we offer in our office at Tampa, Fl.
Dental Amalgams
These types of teeth fillings are made by a mixture of tin, mercury, silver, and copper. Not only are they durable but are also pocket friendly. They are silver looking and therefore recommended for your back teeth. Amalgams have a durability of 10 to 15 years.
Composite Resins
They are more natural-looking and are made from glass and are perfect for teeth used in moderate chewing.
Ceramic fillings
They can be customized to match your tooth shade, but they are expensive compared to other fillings. They are least likely to stain over a long period. However, the durability of your fillings will depend on how you take care of your oral hygiene.
Glass ionomer
They are formed from a blend of acrylic and glass. Glass ionomers release fluoride that is used to protect your teeth from infections. They are the least durable and may last less than five years.
The Procedure
The first step is to examine the affected tooth. For comfort, a local anesthetic is administered to numb your teeth. Then the damaged or decayed tooth is treated by removing the affected area using a laser or a drill. An acidic gel is then used to remove the remaining bacteria and debris from the afflicted tooth.
Your chosen type of filling is then placed on the cavity or the fractured part of your tooth to fill them up. For composite fillings, isolation is done to your tooth using a rubber dam, which prevents the interference of the moisture in the bonding process. The composite is then applied and hardened using a special light
What Causes Tooth Pain After Filling?
After a dental filling, it is normal to feel pain or discomfort. Some of these common reasons include:
When You Have Cracked or Loose Filling
You will most likely experience pain if your filling is not well properly fitted or has cracked. If you suspect it, visit your doctor for a checkup.
Sensitivity
After a filling procedure, you are likely to experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold air temperatures or food substances. Sensitivity usually lasts for about two days. If it continues over a long period, consult your dentist.
Allergic Reactions
Gold or silver fillings could cause an allergic reaction to your mouth. Therefore, if you have any known allergies, inform your dentist before the procedures.
After Care
Avoid sticky foods to prevent the fillings from cracking or dislodging for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Continue with your normal brushing and flossing of your teeth. If you experience a little bit of soreness, use a soft toothbrush, and carefully floss your teeth.
When Do You Get a New Filling?
A filling doesn’t always last as long as expected. Sometimes circumstances may arise where you will need a new filling. Some of them include the following:
Dental Filling Leaks
Fillings can leak almost immediately after the procedure. If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold drinks for more than three weeks, book an appointment with your dentist for a checkup.
Fall Outs
This is the most straight forward thing that could happen to your filling. You will feel the space or the fallen filling on your mouth if you didn’t swallow it accidentally.
Wearing Out
Fillings wearing out is hardly noticeable. Our dentist at Carrollwood Dental Studio will be sure to notice this when you visit for that regular dental visit.