What to Expect, Before, During, and After a Dental Filling

After visiting a dentist on your routine checkup, they may tell you that you need a filling. The good thing is that you are not the first nor the last one to get this information. Many people may go through this experience at least once in their lifetime.

Tooth filling involves treating the cavities in your teeth. The whole course takes roughly an hour, and here are some things you need to know.

Before Dental Filling

Determining whether you need a dental filling requires your dentist at Cal Oaks Dental to examine your teeth. They may use dye or a metal instrument to find the teeth with cavities and decay. To check the extent of damage, they may take an X-ray of your mouth. The information they gather will help them determine the course of treatment to restore your tooth.

During the Procedure

Before the filling, you do not need to change your daily dental hygiene routine. If you are anxious about the procedure, schedule the dental appointment for the morning time. Next is the administration of the anesthetic.

Anesthetic and Preparation

In the beginning, your dentist will administer an anesthetic to ensure that you do not feel pain during the operation. The most common analgesic in a dental clinic is nitrous oxide gas or laughing gas. For the severely anxious lot, they may offer sedation dentistry. Talk to your dentist beforehand to determine which of the two works for you.

Once the anesthetic or sedative kicks in, you are ready to move to the next step. Your dentist will remove the cavities and decaying areas of your tooth. They will use a handheld device while spraying water to loosen debris. Draining the water and fragments requires the dentist’s assistant to use a suction device.

Some doctors can employ a laser to remove any minor decaying portions of the tooth. To complete this portion of the procedure, the dentist will apply a gel to clean and remove any residual debris and bacteria from the tooth.

Filling and Finishing

After removing all the decay, you are ready for the next step. The filling material that your dentist will use depends on the state of the tooth. They may opt for composite material or others like resin or amalgam. Your dentist starts by placing an adhesive over the tooth to help the filling bond with it. They will use a light to harden the material on your tooth.

The finishing touches involve smoothening and polishing the tooth, leaving it natural-looking. Next, they may need you to bite down on something like carbon paper. If the filling is too high compared to your other teeth, they will file it down. Doing this ensures you do not have problems eating. It also shelters your tooth from damage.

After Dental Filling

After receiving a dental filling, it is advisable to care for it. Though strong, it is still prone to damage. Experiencing a slight discomfort is typical after the operation. However, it will pass after a few hours. Observe a strict and regular healthy oral hygiene routine. Ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste ideal for sensitive teeth.

For more on dental fillings, visit Cal Oaks Dental at our office in Murrieta, California. You can also call (951) 501-4900 to book an appointment today.