If you are getting a dental filling and don’t know what to expect or if it is a painful procedure, you need not worry. This blog will help you understand the procedure so you are prepared for what’s to come.

Do you know that almost 90% of the adults in the United States have at least one dental filling? It is a very common procedure.

If this is your first dental filling and you are overwhelmed, you must relax and read this blog. It is a step-by-step guide for what to expect during a permanent tooth filling in Chandler.

Read on!

What is a Dental Filling, and Who Needs it?

Tooth decay is one of the most common problems in the world. It might be caused by a trauma or accident or improper oral hygiene, which causes cavities.

Tooth decay results in small holes or gaps in a tooth, allowing bacteria to grow and rot the tooth. If left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss.

A dental filling is an artificial filling used to seal the gap. A diagnosis is required to understand the extent of the problem, and then we will prescribe what you need.

Patients who require dental filling are:

• Those who have cavities.
• Those withwith tooth decay that hasn’t reached the soft pulp inside the teeth.
• Those who have tooth decay on the gum line due to plaque and tartar.
• Those who feel sensitivity while drinking hot or cold beverages or eating sweets.
• Those who feel pain while chewing.
• Those who feel a dull throbbing ache in the teeth.

These symptoms, combined or individually, indicate that you need dental filling.

Step-By-Step Tooth Filling Process

Check out this comprehensive step-by-step guide and learn how dental fillings work at Peace of Mind Dental Studio, Chandler:

Diagnosis and Examination

The first step is to examine your teeth and diagnose the problem. This requires a visual examination, X-rays, and a CT scan (in some cases). Once we have diagnosed the problem, we will communicate whether you need dental fillings.

There are different types of dental fillings, such as amalgam, composite resin, gold, and porcelain. You must choose one based on the appearance you prefer and your budget.

Numbing the Area

A permanent teeth filling requires numbing the area. Before we start, we ask our patients if they are comfortable with it. Some patients don’t like the uncertainty, while others are anxious. Based on your state, we recommend the best course.

A local anesthetic is used, which might be done in two ways.

First, topical anesthetic, a gel is applied on the surface to numb the area. We ask you if you feel anything.

When the area is numbed, a local anesthetic is injected, which is better and more effective than the topical anesthetic.

Removing the Decay

The teeth must be cleaned, whether from cavities or tooth decay. We use a laser to make a small gap in the teeth to effectively remove the decay and prevent further bacterial growth. Once the decay is removed, the area is cleaned and sterilized to remove the bacteria or debris. Now, your tooth is ready for filling.

Filling the Tooth

Here are some common types of dental fillings:

Amalgam: Amalgam is a mixture of metals packed into the cavity and shaped like a tooth. It hardens quickly, and you can function normally after an amalgam filling.  

Composite Resin: Unlike amalgam, resin is applied in layers. After each layer is applied, it is cured with a special curing light. Once the final layer is applied, we will shape the resin as your tooth, and the surface is polished to give it a natural look.

Gold or Porcelain Fillings: For gold or porcelain fillings, your dentist will take an impression of your decayed tooth and send it to a lab to custom-design your tooth. Until the inlays or onlays arrive, a temporary filling is used. Once ready, the custom-made filling is cemented or bonded to your tooth.

Remember that the dental filling cost for each of these alternatives differs. So, choose wisely.

Adjusting and Polishing

Once the filling hardens, we will conduct a bite test. It ensures that your filing works naturally and doesn’t affect your bite. If it does, adjustments are made to it until it feels normal. The last stage is to polish it.

Post-Procedure Care

Dental fillings are fragile and can break if you are not careful after the initial hours of the procedure. It is advised that you eat only soft foods, and if you feel any sensitivity to hot or cold beverages, consult us. Continue practicing oral hygiene to keep your oral health intact.

Peace of Mind Dental Studio for Permanent Tooth Filling in Chandler

The process of dental filling is painless and quick. If you have any symptoms discussed above, book an appointment with us for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

We are known in Chandler for the best dental treatments prioritizing your comfort and care.

Book an appointment today!