No one ever plans to have a cavity, but there are times when they happen. When this happens, the best way to try and restore your tooth back to its original health with no decay is to get a dental filling. The filling process is often quick and painless, so we wanted to share a few things that you can expect when you come into Hunsaker Dental for your Dental Cavity Filling. This post will cover everything you need to know about fillings.
Filling Cavities: What You Can Expect
We often get questions about how long the procedure takes. For most fillings, you can expect to be with us for about an hour. This will give Dr. Travis Hunsaker plenty of time just in case he needs to do x-rays and consult you through the actual process of getting your filling. Before actually filling the cavity, you will receive a local anesthetic that will numb the area that will be treated, so you won’t feel a thing! Next, Dr. Travis will actually remove the present decay with a drill so that only healthy material is left. Any material removed will then be replaced with a composite filling that leaves your tooth looking just as it did before the procedure.
Once complete, you will remain numb for a while after the procedure. Traditionally, there are no complications after a filling, but if for some reason you do have complications with your new filling, we are here to help.
Different Types of Cavity Fillings
There are many different options available to you for cavity fillings, and each of them has its benefits and drawbacks. The types of materials available to you include gold, silver, amalgam, composite, porcelain, and even glass. The most common material we use is a composite tooth-colored material, but the best option for you will be discussed with you when you consult with Dr. Travis Hunsaker.
Taking Care of Your Fillings
You may experience some sensitivity and pain after receiving tooth fillings, but this discomfort should subside. Don’t neglect your oral care routine. Instead, try products designed specifically to protect sensitive teeth. Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Plus Enamel Shield Toothpaste protects sensitive teeth and also protects against future tooth decay. In addition, Oral-B Glide Floss for sensitive gums shouldn’t irritate the area around tooth fillings.
When to Replace an Old Filling
Most fillings will last you many years, but there are times when a filling will need to be replaced. Reasons for this are often due to wearing of the fillings from teeth grinding, chewing, and clenching your teeth. Depending how severe these actions are will dictate how long your filling will last.
When you start to notice signs of wear on your fillings, you will want to reach out to Hunsaker Dental as soon as you can so that we can take a look at it and properly assess how to care for this worn filling. If you have a cracked filling, the last thing you want to do is continue to chew on that filling because it could damage the actual tooth surrounding the damaged filling, and this could lead to a more complicated repair.
We Are Here to Help You
At Hunsaker Dental, our educated and caring staff are here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy-looking and functioning mouth. This post covered everything you need to know about fillings. Please schedule your appointment with us today so we can help you get closer to the smile you’ve always dreamed of!