Dental Fillings: Procedure, Benefits, Risks, and Care

Has your tooth has fractured or chipped? You don’t have to remove it. Thanks to increased innovation in dental technology, a minor fracture or damage to a tooth can easily be repaired with a dental filling.

What is a Filling?

A filling is a restoration procedure that seeks to repair and restore the shape and strength of a damaged tooth. Mostly, dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay, where a significant amount of enamel has been lost.

Generally, a dental filling treatment is simple, quick, and painless. If you’re looking for dental fillings near you, you can visit a general dentist in your location. If you’re wondering how the process goes about, this article walks you through what to expect in a dental filling procedure.

Dental Fillings Treatment

If you’re considering dental fillings, you should start by scheduling an appointment with your dentist for professional examination and advice. The treatment entails:

Dental Fillings Consultation

During this visit, your dentist will inspect the damaged tooth and decide upon the best course of action. During the examination, the dentist will likely use a carries detecting liquid and a dental probe to determine the problem.

If necessary, the dentist may use X-rays to inspect the teeth precisely. If the dentist confirms you for a dental filling treatment, you’ll be scheduled for the main procedure.

For severely damaged teeth that can’t be repaired with dental fillings, your dentist is likely to recommend alternative restorative procedures such as dental crowns and implants.

Dental Fillings Procedure

Once you report for your second appointment, your dentist will walk you through several options of ideal materials for a dental filling. Based on your preferences, medical history, financial availability, or aesthetic needs, you can opt for composite bonding, glass ionomer, porcelain, or gold inlays, among others.

Once you’ve agreed on the filling material, your dentist will go ahead and prepare you for the procedure. Here’s is what to expect:

• The area of treatment is numbed with a local anesthetic
• The dentist uses a laser or a dental hand-picked to remove the damaged parts of the tooth.
• An acid gel is used to clean and disinfect the damaged tooth.
• The tooth is isolated, and the filling material is applied to the affected areas.
• The filling material is hardened with a special bonding light
• The dentist completes the procedure by polishing up the tooth

Once the procedure is finished, the dentist will spend a few minutes guiding you on caring for your dental fillings and the rest of your teeth to prevent further dental problems.

Follow-Up Appointment

After the primary procedure, the dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to check on the progress of your filling. During the appointment, the dentist is likely to check for any problems with the rest of the teeth.

Even if your dentist doesn’t schedule a follow-up appointment, you should still visit them at least twice a year for general check-ups and professional cleaning.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Are you still wondering why dental filling can be of importance to you? Here are a few reasons worth checking:

• Improved bite strength and function
• Improves the structure of a damaged tooth
• Repairs a decayed or fractured tooth
• Protects your tooth from further damage
• Improves the color of your tooth

For affordable dental fillings near you, visit smilesofocoee.com.

Potential Risks of Dental Fillings

Like any other procedure, dental filling treatment comes with risks. Possible risks include:

• Infection – If poorly applied, a filling can pull away from the tooth, creating a small space. If not repaired immediately, food particles and other debris can get trapped in the spaces, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. In the long-term, this causes additional tooth decay. Notify your dentist if you notice any space or damage to your filing.
• Damage – Like your natural tooth, a dental filling can break, fracture, or fall out if too much pressure is applied to them.

When to Replace a Cavity Filling

With time, dental filings are bound to wear down. While they can last for many years, it’s essential to check them regularly for damage. A damaged filling can encourage additional tooth decay. People with bruxism may have to replace tooth filings sooner Depending on the damage, your dentist can repair it with a second filling or use a dental crown. If you’re looking for a tooth-filling dental office in Ocoee, FL, visit smilesofocoee.com.

Caring For Your Filled Teeth

To maintain your filling and ensure it serves you longer, proper dental care and hygiene are crucial. Use these tips to care for your fillings and other oral structures:

• Brush at least twice a day
• Use fluoride dental products
• Floss at least once per day
• Schedule frequent visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning
• Contact your dentist immediately if your fillings get damaged
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Avoid chewing hard foods

Schedule an Appointment

Are you looking for a dental filling dentist in Ocoee? Contact Dr. Freddy Mezquia to schedule your appointment today.