Restore the Natural Look and Sensation of Your Teeth
All Family Dental - How is a cavity filled
In our dental office, dental fillings are the most frequently performed procedure. They serve to repair and restore the tooth, while also providing protection against painful decay or infection that could necessitate more extensive dental work. To ensure optimal results, we utilize composite resin fillings that are carefully colour-matched to your natural tooth shade. Unlike traditional amalgam (metal) fillings, these tooth-coloured composite resin fillings form a strong bond with the tooth surface and are capable of filling smaller spaces, reducing the need for excessive drilling.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Getting a filling promptly is crucial for your dental health, even if there’s no immediate pain. Here’s why:
- Stops cavities from growing by halting decay before it spreads deeper.
- Prevents painful infections and abscesses, avoiding more invasive treatments.
- Restores tooth strength, reducing the risk of fractures and further damage.
- Saves you money in the long run by preventing more complex procedures like root canals or crowns.
- Reduces sensitivity to hot and cold, making everyday activities more comfortable.
- Preserves your natural smile by addressing decay early and avoiding extensive damage.
A filling is a simple step with significant long-term benefits for your dental health.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Filling a cavity is a straightforward process that ensures your tooth is protected and restored. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Gentle Freezing
To keep you comfortable, we start by carefully numbing your gums with a local anesthetic. Many people feel nervous about this step, but rest assured, once the area is gently frozen, you’ll barely feel a thing during the entire procedure. The freezing ensures that your tooth and surrounding area are completely numb, allowing you to relax while we work.
Filling the Tooth
Once we confirm that you’re comfortably numb, we’ll clean the cavity and prepare the tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to the affected area, followed by the placement of a composite resin (white filling material). The resin is carefully molded and shaped to fit the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring a smooth, seamless finish that matches your bite.
Curing the Composite
After the resin is in place, we use a special LED light to harden and cure the filling quickly. Your dentist will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure the tooth feels natural and functions properly. Finally, the tooth is polished to give it a smooth, natural appearance.
This process is designed to restore your tooth’s strength and appearance while keeping you comfortable throughout the procedure.
The Cost Of A Filling In Oakdale
When determining the cost of a filling, several key factors come into play. These elements help us tailor your treatment to your unique needs, ensuring the best care possible. Here’s what we consider:
- Your Current Oral Health: The state of your teeth and gums will affect the complexity and cost of the procedure.
- How Many Fillings You Need: Multiple cavities will naturally increase the overall cost of your treatment.
- Location of the Cavity: The position of the cavity in your mouth can influence the complexity of the procedure and the materials used.
- Need for X-Rays: If new x-rays are required to assess the cavity, this may also impact the cost.
- Time Required: The amount of time the dental team needs to complete your treatment, based on your specific needs, will be a factor.
- Equipment and Supplies: The necessary tools and materials for the procedure are factored into the cost as well.
Promptly addressing cavities is vital because fillings are an effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid serious dental pain, and keep your smile healthy. Investing in a filling now can save you from bigger, more expensive procedures in the future.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings and checkups, you can expect your fillings to last more than ten years. Staying on top of your oral hygiene routine helps extend the lifespan of your dental work.
There are over-the-counter products that provide temporary relief for cavities or minor tooth damage until you can see a dentist, but these are not a permanent solution. Cavities represent permanent damage that needs to be cleaned and filled by a dental professional. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious issues, like tooth loss or infections.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that disrupts eating or sleeping, this may be a dental emergency, and we encourage you to contact us immediately. We’ll guide you over the phone and arrange an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, applying a cold compress to your face near the affected area can help, along with taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and the instructions on the medication label.
In the past, fillings were often done with dental amalgam, sometimes referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. While there has been debate regarding the safety of amalgam, the American Dental Association assures that scientific studies have not proven that amalgam fillings cause illness in the general population. If you have silver fillings, there’s no need for concern!
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