Cavity Filling: Procedures and Aftercare

Dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay. They protect your teeth from further damage, tooth loss, and possibilities of infection and pain. The dental filling procedure is painless and typically takes an hour. However, your dentist may recommend a crown or a cap if your tooth cavity is too large. For cavity fillings near you, contact our offices to schedule a consultation.

Types of Fillings

There are various filling materials available that can be used for your cavity. Here are common fillings used by our dentist in Garrettsville, OH.

• Porcelain Fillings. These fillings are known to be natural looking and are less likely to stain over time. They are expensive as the gold fillings. Porcelain filings are made in a dental lab after an impression of your cavity is taken.
• Gold Fillings. Gold fillings consist of various metals, such as copper and gold. While these fillings aren’t natural looking and more expensive, they are highly durable. Gold filings are made in a dental lab after an impression of your teeth is taken.
• Glass Ionomer Fillings. While these fillings are tooth colored. They are not as strong as composite fillings. Glass ionomers are acrylic and a type of glass containing fluoride, which protects your teeth against cavities.
• Amalgam Fillings. Metal amalgam fillings combine silver, copper, tin, and mercury. They are more durable and affordable than tooth-colored fillings. While some people are concerned about their mercury content, according to American Dental Association, there is no evidence that amalgam fillings are harmful.
• Composites Fillings. These fillings are a mixture of quartz particles or glass and acrylic resin. They are tooth-colored and durable but cost more than metal amalgams.

Procedure

The cavity filing procedure is an in-office appointment. At Garrettsville Dental Group, we offer sedation dentistry to patients with dental anxiety. If preparations are required before the treatment, the dentist will inform you.

General steps to receiving a dental filling include:

• First, the dentist will apply a numbing gel on the gums. Next, a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.
• A drill or other specialized dental equipment will then be used to remove the decayed part of the tooth.
• The drilled hole will then be cleaned, disinfected, and smoothened. The dental filling is then placed.
• Lastly, the filling is polished and adjusted according to your bite.

Aftercare Tips for Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are non-invasive, but you may experience mouth numbness several hours after the procedure. You should take care of the affected area and avoid irritating it. In addition, follow the following aftercare instructions after your cavity fillings in Garrettsville, OH.

Diet

There aren’t many diet restrictions rules after you get a dental filling. However, for a speedy recovery, you should start by eating soft foods low in sugar. Consider foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, or soups. They will reduce the risk of having an infection. Avoid sticky or chewy foods such as candy. In addition, hot or cold foods could irritate the treated area. Take cool or room temperature to keep your mouth clean and free of irritation.

Pain

Pain after a dental filling may be because the filling is too high. While your dentist may have done their best to get the right size, you may notice that it’s not right every time you move your jaw to speak or chew. You can address this by contacting your dentist to have the filling reshaped or smoothed.

Additionally, you may experience pain in the tooth next to the filled tooth. This regular occurrence doesn’t indicate an issue with your teeth. Usually, this could be that the tooth with the filling is passing signals to the neighboring teeth. The pain usually decreases within a week or two.

Oral Hygiene

Don’t pause your oral hygiene routine after receiving a dental filling. On the day of the procedure, brush your teeth before going to bed. Brush gently and use a soft-bristled brush to avoid discomfort.

When To Contact Your Dentist

If you experience any of the following, let your dentist know:

• Fever
• Severe swelling
• Redness or warmth on the gums
• Persistent pain
• meta description
• Fillings are used to restore and strengthen damaged or decayed teeth. Here are the procedure and aftercare tips for dental fillings.