When Dental Fillings Are Necessary
When Dental Fillings Are Necessary
At (604) 597-6711, we mainly use dental fillings to minimize the impact of tooth decay. When your tooth starts to decay, it exposes more surface area to bacteria, which speeds up the decay process. We can protect your tooth from decay by filling the cavity.
The tooth can also be strengthened by fillings. Cavities can make teeth weaker and more prone to cracking and chipping. Filling in the hole strengthens the structure of the tooth, preventing further damage.
For minor cosmetic procedures, we also offer dental fillings. We can fix minor cracks and breaks quickly that could otherwise ruin a natural smile. Even cosmetic fillings serve a function since they reinforce the tooth and prevent it from cracking further.
How Can You Tell If A Tooth Is Cracked?
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if your tooth has cracked. You may have difficulty identifying which tooth is cracked or which one hurts more. Cracks sometimes are invisible to the eye and may not show up on an x-ray. And sometimes you won't have any pain or sensitivity at all; your dentist will discover it during your exam.
If you are having symptoms, you can help your dentist find the cracked tooth by sharing some information:
- The things that can cause tooth pain, such as heat and cold, or sweets, sour, or sticky foods, are:
- the area of the pain
How to Prepare for Your Filling appointment
Having a tooth filled generally takes between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the cavity or the extent of the tooth damage. If you need multiple cavities, chips, or worn areas repaired, your dentist may recommend having them all filled during one appointment since this means you'll only need to have your mouth numbed once.
When you arrive for your tooth filling service appointment, your dentist will begin by applying a numbing gel to a small area on the inside of your cheek. Your dentist will then inject local anesthetic into the affected tooth to reduce swelling. It will take a few minutes for the local anesthetic to take effect, but when it does, your dentist will begin using a high speed drill to wear away any damaged tooth material. Although you may feel some vibrations and pressure during the filling phase, there should be no pain.
Once the decayed or damaged material has been removed, your dentist may rinse the tooth with a fluoride solution to prevent further decay. Although the rinse will leave a slight sour taste in your mouth, it won't last long. Once the tooth is clean, your dentist may use gauze and some wedges to isolate the tooth to be worked on. Then, he or she will use a special tool to deposit the composite resin or metal amalgam in the prepared tooth. If resin is used, a UV light will be aimed at the filling in order to cure the material. Then, your dentist will again use the drill to shape the filling.
Your dentist may complete your porcelain inlay or filling within two visits. During the first appointment, your tooth will be prepared and a mold will be made so that the lab can make you a customized porcelain filling. Your filling will then be placed into the tooth during the second visit. Many dentists now use computer-aided, specialized design software to create and design the inlay. This service may be offered by your dentist. A porcelain filling can usually be made in one appointment.