A dental filling is a non-invasive procedure that licensed dentists are well-trained on how to perform. The procedure takes less than an hour in most cases and does not require the use of sedation. Subsequently, patients can drive themselves home in most cases and recover within a few hours after the dental filling.
The typical process for a dental filling involves the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth with a dental drill and other common dental instruments, the application of an adhesive material over the tooth to help the filling bond, the placement of the dental filling, and curing the filling with a dental light.
The first step in the dental filling process is to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This is done with various dental tools, such as a dental drill and scalpel. There may be minor discomfort (pain and sensitivity) during this step in the process, but the dentist can numb the affected area beforehand to minimize the level of discomfort. Some patients report not feeling any pain at all.
Once the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the tooth is adequately cleaned and disinfected, the dentist places an adhesive material over the cavity. This helps the filling material bond to the tooth properly. The adhesive, gel-like material is safe and easy to apply. There is no discomfort during this step, and applying the adhesive material only takes a short moment.
After the adhesive material is placed, the filling material is applied to the cavity. There are different material options. Most patients prefer a tooth-colored material, such as amalgam or porcelain, although metal fillings may be an option for teeth farther back in the mouth. The filling is smoothed and contoured to ensure that it blends in well with the tooth and looks natural.
A dental light is placed over the filling material to help harden and bond it to the tooth to fill the cavity. The curing light is safe and non-invasive, although the patient may feel a minor sense of heat and light.
Before the patient leaves, the staff will discuss aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up visit with them. Most patients can return to their normal routine within 12 hours. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled for four to six months after the filling procedure, unless additional restorative treatment is necessary.
A dental filling is an ideal way to restore the health of a tooth that is damaged by dental decay (cavities). To learn more about cavity fillings, call our team today to schedule a visit, during which we can examine the severity of the decay and provide a treatment recommendation on the same day.
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