Tooth Fillings - Atria-City Dental Group

Tooth Fillings

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Tooth filling.

Tooth Fillings

What are Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings (dental restorations) are done to repair a tooth after it has been chipped or when there has been damage caused by tooth decay. When there is a dental cavity or tooth decay, it is important to treat decay promptly by removing the diseased decayed parts of the tooth and to replace (restore) it with a dental filling material to prevent the decay from getting worse.

Common dental filling materials we use are metal and mercury-free, and tooth-coloured (white fillings). This includes resin composite and glass ionomer. In the era of modern dentistry, amalgam (metal fillings) is less frequently used unless absolutely necessary.

What does a tooth filling procedure involve?

  1. Numbing the area: The dentist will first gently numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
  2. Removing decay: The dentist will then use specialised instruments to carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
  3. Cleaning the cavity: The dentist will clean the cavity to remove any debris and bacteria to prevent future decay.
  4. Placing the filling: The dentist will place the filling material into the cavity and shape it to fit the tooth.
  5. Polishing the filling: The dentist will then polish the filling to make it smooth and shiny, and check your bite to ensure that the filling is harmonious with your bite.

Overall, a routine dental filling procedure typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes and is generally a painless procedure. However, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, which is normal and should subside within a few days.

How do I know if I need a tooth filling?

There are several signs that may indicate that you need a tooth filling:

  1. Tooth pain: If you experience pain or discomfort when you chew, bite, or drink hot or cold beverages, it could be a sign of a cavity that needs to be filled.
  2. Sensitivity: If you feel a sharp or sudden pain when you eat or drink hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages, it could be a sign that your tooth enamel has been weakened by decay and needs to be filled.
  3. Visible holes or pits: If you can see holes, pits, or dark spots on your teeth, it could be a sign of a cavity that needs to be filled.
  4. Rough or chipped edges: If the edges of your teeth feel rough or chipped, it could be a sign that you have a cavity that needs to be filled.
  5. Bad breath: If you have persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of decay and infection in your teeth that needs to be treated with a filling.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get a thorough dental exam and receive appropriate treatment to prevent further damage to your teeth. In certain cases, damage to teeth can be so extensive that a simple filling may not suffice. Instead, more extensive procedures may be required. Whenever in doubt, it is best to consult your dentist to determine the best course of treatment for your dental condition.

What are the benefits of getting a Tooth Filling

  • Preserve tooth structure
  • Prevent further breakdown of damaged teeth
  • Restore the function of teeth after damage
  • Restore the appearance of teeth after damage
  • Cost-efficient
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