Dental fillings are a type of dental fixture that can help to repair cavities and other disorders of the mouth. These procedures can alleviate the pain that a patient experiences from dental issues. However, it pays to know precisely when the dental fillings procedure is necessary and in which situations it is appropriate to employ. This can help you recognize when you might want to pursue a trip to the dentist’s office.
If you think you might benefit from dental fillings, this guide can help you determine when to make that call.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a type of dental fixture that can replace diseased or damaged portions of one’s teeth. They are quite effective at restoring certain types of dental damage and are considered one of the standby dental procedures for improving the appearance of one’s smile.
Dental fillings are typically composed of a variety of different materials. Some of the common materials that are used to create dental fillings include:
- Resin composite: These fillings are composed of tooth-colored materials such as silica, quartz, or glass.
- Amalgam: These fillings are typically silver in color and contain materials such as silver and tin.
- Glass ionomer: These types of fillings are composed of a tooth-colored silica glass powder.
- Gold: Some fillings are composed of gold composite or gold mixed with other metals. These fillings are often gold in color.
- Porcelain: These fillings are tooth-colored and contain a mixture of minerals, including quartz, kaolin, and feldspar.
When are Dental Fillings Necessary?
A good dental filling procedure can replace parts of the teeth that have become damaged or destroyed by neglect or impact. For certain situations, a dental filling can provide quick relief that has the potential to last for some time. The benefits of dental fillings include:
- Preserves the natural structure of the teeth
- Restores normal chewing function
- Enhances the general appearance of the teeth
- They tend to last for quite a long time (in some cases, up to 10-20 years)
- They help to strengthen other teeth in the mouth
That said, there are precautions to take when undergoing a filling procedure. Some of the side effects that patients experience in this type of procedure include the following:
- Pain when biting down
- Swelling
- Sensitivity in the gums
- Intense toothaches
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
What Occurs During the Dental Filling Process?
There are several necessary steps in the dental filling process that a dentist will employ to make sure that your fillings are secure and serve their purpose to the highest degree of functionality. The general outline of the steps as they are performed is as follows:
- Your dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the mouth near the tooth that is to be worked on. Minor cavities typically will not require anesthesia.
- Your dentist then subsequently utilizes a drill or other tool to remove the diseased or decaying elements of the teeth that are to be replaced.
- The dental professional then moves to fill the hollowed-out parts of the teeth with a filling material. They then shine a small blue light over the composite material to help the filling harden.
- The filling is then polished, smoothed, and hardened to solidify its place in the mouth. At this point, the filling operation is complete.
Because your dentist will apply anesthetic to your mouth prior to any dental work being performed, there is a very high chance that you will not experience any significant pain. However, you should reach out to your dental professional if you experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure:
- Intense pain that does not fade with medication
- A great deal of swelling that occurs in the face or jaw
- Fever, chills, and other signals that indicate that infection may have occurred
Additionally, there are some situations where cavities cannot be corrected with dental fillings. If a cavity has grown to the point that dental fillings will not suffice to cover the problem, you may need to discuss with your dentist other treatment options.
The Top Dentist in Fontana
Smile Studio Fontana is the best place to see a dentist in Fontana and one of your best choices for building a relationship with someone who truly cares about your teeth. If you are interested in discussing your dental filling options with someone who truly cares about your teeth, contact us today.