A tooth filling is a dental procedure that helps treat cavities while restoring the function and structure of the damaged tooth. Tooth decay happens when the bacteria break down the tooth enamel, resulting in openings or holes. If left untreated, cavities can result in pain, infection and further tooth damage. Learn what happens during a tooth filling procedure below.
Tooth Filling Procedure
Following are some of the steps that are involved in a tooth filling procedure.
- Examination and Diagnosis: Prior to starting treatment, the dentist will first conduct a detailed examination of the teeth. The dentist will take X-rays to check the location and size of the cavities. Once they do so, they will determine the best kind of filling material for you. There are several kinds of dental fillings, like amalgam (silver) and composite resin (tooth-coloured). Each has its own benefits depending on the location and size of the cavity.
- Numbing the Area: The dentist will start by numbing the area around the tooth. This is mainly done with the help of a local anaesthetic. It is injected into the gum near the tooth. In some cases, a numbing gel will be applied to the gums before the injection. This will help ensure that you do not experience any pain during the procedure- although you may experience a bit of pressure when the dentist puts the fillings in.
- Removing the Decayed Tissue: Once the area gets numb, the dentist will use a drill or a laser to eliminate the decayed portion of the tooth. This helps remove the damaged tissue while preserving the healthy tooth structure as far as possible. It also guarantees that the filling adheres to the tooth and no bacteria gets trapped inside.
- Cleaning and Preparing the Cavity: After removing the decayed tissue, the dentist will clean the cavity to ensure that there are no bacteria or debris trapped inside. In these cases, a special material will be placed to help bond the filling to the tooth in a more effective manner. As a result, the filling will not be affected by bacteria or saliva, which would affect the restoration success.
- Filling the Cavity: In the last step, the dentist will place the filling material into the dental cavity. For smaller cavities, composite fillings are generally used while for larger cavities, amalgam (silver fillings) are recommended as they are more durable.
Conclusion
Regular dental check-ups are essential for the early detection of tooth decay and its treatment. Fillings can offer a great solution for addressing some tooth decay cases. So, if you have a decayed tooth and want to undergo tooth filling in Newtown, contact us.