What happens when you get a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a tooth restorative method that helps in repairing a damaged tooth caused by decay. It brings back such a tooth to its normal function and shape. When you receive dental filling from your dentist, he or she will first remove the decayed part, clean the affected area and then fill up the cleaned out cavity using a restoration material. This procedure will help prevent any further decay by closing up these spaces or cavitiesthus preventing bacteria from entering.

We try to brush and floss on a daily basis and avoid sugary foods and snacks but sometimes we just can’t seem to avoid tooth decay. According to Australian Dental Association, tooth decay is the number one chronic dental problem among children and adults in Australia. Almost 80% of the population develop cavities even before they attain the age of 17. Tooth enamel is damaged due to improper oral hygiene measures. As much as enamel is the strongest part of the tooth, it can be destroyed by plaque build-up. The plaque will lead to the formation of some holes on the enamel which are also referred to as cavities. If these cavities are left untreated, the affected tooth will be vulnerable to further decay. So, if your dentist diagnoses you with tooth decay and recommends dental filling, make sure you schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

A tooth filling is necessary due to a number of reasons, one it helps reduce teeth sensitivity. Cavities formed by tooth decay are more sensitive to pressure and temperature. If you delay treating a cavity, you may start feeling uncomfortable when you eat hot or cold foods and beverages. If a cavity has gone to the extent that the inner part of the tooth known as the dentine has been exposed, you may experience constant pain and discomfort.

Dental fillings prevent the spread of tooth decay. Without tooth cavity filling, bacteria may continue acting on the tooth thus spreading decay even further. By receiving dental filling as soon as your dentist discovers the cavity, it will only be able to create a small hole that’s easy to fill up. Dental fillings also help in restoring the strength of your tooth. If you do not treat a cavity early enough and you let it grow, it will transform into a bigger hole. As the decay continues, your tooth will become weaker and thinner and at the end, it might result in cracks or chips. In some severe cases, the damage may be more widespread that it may affect the nerve tissue or even spread to the nearby teeth.

Tooth cavity filling also helps in preventing infections. If the cavity will be left untreated, it will continue to develop into an infection. The decay may continue all the way to the tooth pulp. This can cause severe pain and discomfort. To treat such a tooth, you may need extensive procedures such as root canal therapy. Such a procedure is more costly and may require more than one dental visit.

New types of dental fillings are always emerging with the development and advancement of the dental industry. Recently, there has been an emerging number of different options available to patients. Some of these options are very popular while others are a little rare and more luxurious. Also, some have turn out to be very controversial. The most common types of dental fillings are silver amalgam, porcelain, plastic, composite resin and gold. Dental fillings can also be made from glass which is a less common option.

– Amalgam

As the name suggests, amalgam dental fillings comprise of a mixture of metals. Typically, amalgam fillings are made up of about 50% mercury along with silver, copper, tin or zinc. Compared to other types of fillings, amalgam fillings are the least expensive option and they are very strong and durable. Amalgam fillings are silver in colour at the beginning and tend to become darker as time goes by. This makes them less noticeable when you open your mouth. However, amalgam fillings have some drawbacks too. One of them is that they require more of the tooth to be removed to make space for the filling material. Also, they are susceptible to cracking and fracturing due to extreme changes in temperature.

– Gold

The gold fillingis one of the most long-lasting and durable options, it lasts around 10-15 years. If given the proper care, it may even last longer than this. This material does not corrode and that is why it offers a high level of durability and strength. It can withstand the pressure of chewing for years, although its look does not please everyone. Additionally, gold is doubtless not the best option for you if you don’t want a very noticeable filling. It is also much pricier than silver amalgam fillings.

– Porcelain

Porcelain fillings are similar to gold because they are also a form of indirect filling. This is because they require more than one visit to the dentist and tend to be expensive. Nevertheless, they are also different from gold fillings in a few ways. For example, porcelain fillings are more fragile and they resemble your natural teeth which helps you maintain a natural look whereas gold fillings do not.

– Tooth-colored composites

One of the most obvious advantages of picking tooth-coloured composite fillings is that they give you a more natural look. It is the best choice for patients who want to hide the fact that they got a tooth filling. They resemble your natural teeth, making them suitable for front teeth. In addition, tooth-coloured composites tend to bond to your natural tooth structure which gives a greater level of support and strength. Unlike most of the other options, this option can be used to fix broken, ground and chipped down teeth. However, this type of fillings requires more time spent in the dentist chair because a lot of time is taken to prepare, fit and refine. Also, they tend to wear out faster than other options, its typical lifespan is five years.

– Glass ionomer

Glass ionomer is commonly used as cement for inlay fillings. It is also used for fillings around the necks of your teeth, front teeth or in roots. Additionally, glass ionomer can be used as a filling material in people with a lot of decay that has extended below the gum. It can also be used as a liner for other fillings and for filling baby teeth. In instances where it is used on a permanent tooth, it is usually placed in a spot that doesn’t experience too much pressure or chewing since they are very delicate.

An indirect filling functions the same way as standard filling. The only difference between the two is that indirect filling is only used when the patient has suffered extensive damage to the tooth. This option is mostly recommended for patients whose decayed tooth cannot receive a regular dental filling. The method is somewhere between a dental filling and a full crown. It is used when the tooth is not damaged enough for a crown but then too decayed for a regular filling. For this treatment, the patient will have to schedule two dental appointments. The first appointment will involve removal of the decayed material and cast a mould of the tooth.

The mould will be taken into a dental laboratory and the technician will mould an indirect filling. In the meantime, the patient will be required to wear a temporal filling. This will prevent bacteria from acting on the affected area and any further decay. Once the indirect filling is ready, the patient can now return to the dentist for fitting. The dentist will cement it in place if it will match the shape of your tooth and will feel comfortable. While this procedure might be a bit costly, it’s a better procedure and will be able to withstand a substantial amount of wear and tear.

Step 1: Getting You Numb

The first step of receiving a dental filling is toensure that you will be comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Your dentist will do this using a local anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia temporarily interferes with the communication between a tooth and the brain. When the tooth sends apain signal to the brain, local anaesthesia will interfere with these signals and as a result, you will feel no pain. For people with severe anxiety or those that will be receiving multiple treatments at once may receive sedation dentistry. However, most of the time this is only available upon request.

Step 2: Getting Your Mouth Ready

Once you have received local anaesthesia and your tooth is numb, your dentist might use some materials to make sure that that the process becomes easier and more efficient. The first material the dentist will use is known as rubber dam. This is a piece of rubber that will be placed around your teeth and over your mouth where the dentist will be working. The main benefit of using the rubber dam is it provides a barrier between the patient and the area where the dentist will be working on. It also helps to keep the tooth nice and dry during the procedure.

Another tool that might be instrumental to a dentist during the procedure is a bite block. This is a soft rubber that assumes a triangle shape that can be inserted into your upper jaw and the lower one to pop your mouth wide open. It might be quite challenging to keep your jaw wide open especially if the treatment is going to take quite some time. A bite block helps you not to overuse your muscles on the jaws to keep your mouth open. This will enable the dental specialist to work conveniently and efficiently and get the dental filling procedure done faster.

Step 3: Removing the Tooth Decay

Now that your tooth is numb and you’re ready for the procedure, your dentist will now start removing decay from the tooth. There are quite a number of tools that can aid in this process. One tool that the dentist may use is called a high-speed handpiece. It is also referred to as a dental drill. This tool jets out water on the affected tooth while the dentist works. It moves so fast that it glides through the tooth decay and removes away the tooth structure that has been damaged. If you get some excess water in your mouth and you do not want to swallow it, the dentist will allow you to close your mouth on a tool known as saliva ejector. This tool will remove any excess water that may have accumulated in your mouth.

Finally, your dentist may choose to remove any remaining decay using some hand instruments. These include some small metal instruments that the dentist will use to polish the affected area where he or she will be placing the filling. Now that the damaged part of your tooth is no more, the dentist will now comfortable replace the area with a dental filling.

Step 4: Placing the Filling

Due to the advancement of technology today, most filling materials can be made to resemble your natural teeth. Your dentist will match the dental filling using a shade guide against your tooth. Once you have concluded on the best shade that resembles your tooth, the material will be moulded into your tooth and shape to look just like your natural teeth.

– While Anaesthesia is wearing off

After your treatment is done, it might take several hours for local anaesthesia to wear off completely. This typically takes between 2 to 3 hours though some can last up to 7 hours. Before anaesthesia wears off, you will still feel some numbness. Avoid any hot foods and beverages while you are still numb. It can be quite challenging to assess the temperature of foods and beverages at such a time. This means that you might be putting yourself at risk of burning your mouth. You may also experience some difficulty in controlling food and beverage in the mouth while local anaesthesia is still in effect. If the person who underwent the procedure is a child, make sure he or she is under close supervision not to do something that will hurt them. After the anaesthesia is over, you might feel some discomfort in the areas where the medication was injected. However, such discomfort will wear off by the next day.

– Sensitivity and Pain

If the area that was treated is large, you might experience some tooth sensitivity that might last up to a week. The sensitivity may be triggered by pressure, air and hot or cold foods and beverages. Before sensitivity goes away, avoid anything that may trigger it. You can also use toothpaste meant to reduce sensitivity. However, if the sensitivity worsens, make sure that you return to your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, the sensitivity may be as a result of the bonding technique used. If this is the case, your dentist may choose to redo the filling.

Some patients might experience some pain during the first few days. This may be due to the additional pressure that might be affecting the tooth’s ligaments. Normally, this kind of pain will wear off after the first few days. If you feel pain when you bite down the tooth which was treated for the next few days and the pain is not going away, go back to your dentist. He or she will be able to reshape the filling.

Additionally, some people experience pain in the tooth that is neighbouring the one that has received the dental filling. This is very normal and does not indicate any form of complications. In most cases, the tooth that has received dental filling is just passing on pain signals to the neighbouring tooth. This types of pain will decrease after you’ve stayed for a week or so.

After having your tooth filled, it is recommended not to eat any food till the numbness subsides since there’s a high chance of causing harm to the numbed area. Patients with a mandibular block have a high possibility of damage as this results in severe numbness of the tongue and lower lip. In cases of composite fillings, a patient can endure mastication forces immediately compared to amalgam fillings. In such cases, your dentist will advise you to avoid eating any food for at least 45 minutes after the tooth filling procedure. A tooth filling is done under local anesthesia therefore, your mouth will feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable for mastication. Your dentist will give you some proper care instructions after a tooth filling which should be keenly followed. However, there are certain types of foods which need to be avoided until the sensitivity wades off completely. Here are some of the foods you should stay away from right after having a tooth filling:

– Candy

Soft, sticky treats can easily get stuck in your tooth filling material and they can pull it off from the tooth. Therefore, it is best to limit your intake of licorice, toffee, caramels and other such substances. Hard treats are decent sweet substitutes, if only you do not chew them. Fortunately, you can eat dark chocolate which is a safe indulgence.

– Hard foods

Avoid biting on hard foods such as pizza crust, whole apples, ice, raw carrots, nuts and celery which can easily crack teeth and worsen sensitivity in your filled tooth. Also, keep off from excessive chewing after a tooth filling since it takes a while for it to harden. Instead, take liquids such as soups and broths or soft foods like mashed potatoes.

– Hot foods

After getting a tooth filling, you may feel some tooth sensitivity because of the composition of your tooth and the filling. Therefore, it is good if you avoid hot liquids such coffee, tea and soup which can lead to pain in your fresh filled sensitive tooth.

– Corn on the cob

Biting corn off the cob can be vigorous and this can damage your newly filled tooth. It is advisable to shave off the corn from the cob and safely enjoy it lose.

– Acidic foods and drinks

Citrus juices, citric fruits such limes, lemons, oranges and foods with high concentration of pickles and tomatoes can erode your enamel and aggravate tooth sensitivity. The acid in such foods and drinks can wear off and corrode your tooth enamel, exposing the protective dentine layer that makes up the tooth.

– Beef jerky

Just like gum and soft candies, beef jerky is also sticky enough to loosen and pull off your tooth fillings. Eat your jerky with caution, but it is best if you avoided it completely.

– Foods and drinks that stain tooth fillings

Just like your natural teeth, your white composite fillings can become stained. It is best if you avoided dark berries, cola, coffee, red wine, and instead opt for lighter- coloured drinks and fruits.

There you have it; now you know all that happens when you get a dental filling. You will be happy after undergoing the procedure and cavity free. However, to prevent any future occurrence of a cavity, you need to determine why you received one in the first place. There is definitely something you can do to prevent any future occurrence of a cavity. Practice good oral hygiene measures and take foods and drinks that are good for your teeth.