What Is A Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a frequent word for a dental restoration, or the process of replacing decayed tooth structure. Fillings are used to treat tooth decay as well as teeth with cracks, breaks, or severe wear. A licensed dentist will conduct dental fillings in conjunction with a dental assistant who will help remove saliva and debris from your mouth during the filling process.
Fillings are more common than you may believe. If you are among the small number of Americans who do not have cavities or fillings, you are unquestionably in the minority. The vast majority of Americans have cavities that need to be repaired or have already been treated and fixed by a dentist. The average American has three dental fillings, but one in every four Americans has 11 or more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated dental caries that would most likely necessitate fillings.
Steps to Get Fillings
Dental fillings are time-consuming and necessitate a meticulous approach. To be safe, plan on your filling taking about an hour to complete from start to end. If your cavity is small, Dr. Castillo will be able to finish the filling in much less time. Here are the basic stages required in filling a cavity.
The Dentist Will Numb the Surrounding Area of the Tooth
A topical numbing medication will be applied to the tissue surrounding your tooth before a dentist begins work on it. After a few minutes, Dr. Castillo will inject a local anesthetic to help keep you pain-free while Dr. Castillo works on your tooth.
The Decaying Part of the Tooth Will Be Extracted
Dr. Castillo will begin extracting the decaying piece of your tooth once the local anesthesia has taken effect. This is usually done with one or more dental drills or a laser. During the process, Dr. Castillo or an assistant may use a suction apparatus to remove debris from your mouth.
The Dentist Will Clean Your Teeth and Remove Any Debris
Before putting the filling, Dr. Castillo will ensure that all debris has been removed from the surface of your tooth. Then, before moving on to the next stage, he or she will ensure that your tooth has been cleansed and dried.
The Dentist Explores Your Teeth to Confirm All Decay Has Been Removed
Following the removal of the decayed piece of your tooth, Dr. Castillo will use an instrument to probe the freshly exposed area of your tooth to ensure that there is no lingering decay.
The Hole in Your Tooth Receives a Filling by the Dentist
Dentists utilize a variety of materials to fill teeth. Silver amalgam, gold, and porcelain fillings, as well as tooth-colored composite material, are all alternatives for fillings. Tooth-colored composite material is used in many dental clinics nowadays for fillings because it is more visually attractive than other filling choices.
How Will My Tooth Feel After a Filling?
Your tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids after Dr. Castillo has completed filling it. Most of the time, this sensitivity is not extreme and will go away within a few days or weeks. If your sensitivity persists, arrange an appointment with Dr. Castillo for further instructions.
Will I be able to eat following a filling?
Dr. Castillo may advise you to avoid eating immediately following a filling. For starters, your mouth may still be numb from the anesthesia, causing you to bite your tongue or the interior of your mouth unknowingly. Second, your tooth may be especially sensitive to hot or cold meals immediately following your repair.
You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods following your filling, as they may attach to your newly applied composite material and dislodge your filling. It is important to consult with Dr. Castillo before attempting to eat or drink immediately after your filling has been applied.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Filling?
Unfortunately, dental fillings are not intended to last indefinitely. The duration of a dental filling is determined by the type of filling and how well you care for your teeth. In general, amalgam fillings have a lifespan of slightly more than twelve years, while composite fillings have a lifespan of slightly more than seven years.
What is the Most Effective Approach to Successful Fillings?
Although dental fillings are prevalent, they should always be administered by a professional dentist. Visiting a dentist who specializes in restorative procedures is the best method to ensure that your fillings are properly performed. Agoura Family Smiles, Moorpark’s most experienced restorative dentistry specialist, appreciates the opportunity to assist you in overcoming tooth decay. Our goal at Agoura Family Smiles is to maximize your comfort while ensuring that your fillings are skillfully performed. We urge you to contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in improving your dental health. We are excited to be your trusted source for all of your dental care needs!
