If you need a dental filling but have never had a tooth filled, you may be wondering about the procedure. Getting a filling is a common process.
There are a few options for fillings. Which one you and your dentist choose depends on circumstances such as:
Speak with your dentist about your choices before making a treatment decision. You may need to consider your out-of-pocket costs before committing to a treatment plan.
There are a few filling material choices available.
Resin fillings match your tooth color, making them appropriate for more visible areas. They consist of quartz or glass composites. Resin fillings are less durable than other materials, but they work well in small- or medium-sized fillings and can withstand moderate chewing pressure.
Also called inlays or overlays, porcelain fillings are custom-made in a laboratory before bonding to your tooth. They are resistant to stains and match your tooth color. Porcelain fillings generally cover most or all of the tooth.
Like porcelain fillings, gold fillings are also known as inlays or overlays made to fit your tooth. They consist of an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. Gold fillings have been used in dentistry for more than 1,000 years. The material is well tolerated and durable. It is also an expensive treatment that requires multiple dentist visits.
An alloy of silver, mercury, copper, and tin, amalgam fillings are silver in color, making them a choice for less visible areas. This dental filling material has been used for many years and is resistant to wear.
Before putting in your filling, your dentist may use a numbing agent in the area of the cavity. Then the dentist may use a drill to remove tooth decay and enamel and shape the site to prepare for the filling material. The dentist may then add a liner to protect the area where the tooth's nerves are.
If you are getting a composite filling, the dentist may etch the tooth with an acid gel to create tiny holes to which the materials adhere. A bonding material is also added to help the filling stick to the tooth.
Some composite materials dry with a special light. As the dentist layers the material on your tooth, the light may be inserted several times to dry each layer.
Finally, the dentist polishes the filled tooth to remove rough areas. If you discover after your appointment that you have sharp edges, let your dentist know.
After getting a filling, you may experience sensitivity to sweet foods, pressure, cold, or air. Most of the time, these symptoms go away after a couple of weeks. However, you should notify your dentist of any severe pain or pressure, especially if two weeks have passed.
If you need a dental filling, talk to your dentist about your options. Getting a filling can help you maintain oral health for years to come.
Request an appointment here: https://peoria.voguedental.com or call Vogue Dental at (309) 306-8888 for an appointment in our Peoria office.
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