The more you know about dental fillings, the less you have to be anxious about.
Dental fillings are some of the most common dental procedures. Many people may put off treating fillings or having their teeth inspected because they are worried about what happens when they get a filling. However, once you know what to expect, the process becomes much less stressful. If you have questions before your next dental filling at Olney Dental, read on to learn more about what a filling is and what happens during your appointment.
What Dental Fillings Are
Dental fillings repair your teeth damaged by decay. Once your dentist identifies a cavity, they clear out the area and fill it with a strong substance that prevents further decay and helps your tooth function. While metal fillings used to be the norm, tooth-colored resins are often now used, so fillings are not as visible.
What to Expect During a Dental Filling Procedure
Often, a cavity will be identified during a check-up. Your dentist will then likely schedule a separate appointment for the dental filling. The basic procedure is simple:
- A local anesthetic is used to numb the area.
- Then, your dentist removes the decay with a dental drill.
- Once decay is gone, your dentist sterilizes and preps the hole for filling. Depending on the filling used, your dentist may use a blue light to help the filling harden and set appropriately.
- Finally, your dentist polishes the filling and checks your bite to make sure that the filling feels comfortable and functional.
Simple tooth fillings can take just about twenty to thirty minutes. However, when planning your appointment, it’s best to account for an hour. It may take a few hours for the numbing to wear off after your appointment, and you may experience a minor ache in your jaw later that day. However, the pain can be easily treated with common painkillers.
What to Do After Your Filling
Once your dental filling is complete, your mouth may be a little sensitive and tender, and the area around your filling will still be numb. It is best to avoid hot or cold foods and beverages for a day or two after your procedure. Beyond the first couple of days, there should be no restrictions.
Unfortunately, while dental fillings can last as long as 20 years, they do not last forever. Eventually, you may need new fillings. Maintaining regular appointments with your dentist can help you spot any potential trouble areas before they create issues.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.