Most adults will need to get a dental filling at some point in their lives. Fillings composed of composite, metal, or ceramic materials are inserted into vulnerable areas in the teeth after decay has been removed, to shore up the tooth against further bacterial infiltration.
However, fillings come in many types, and if this is your first experience, you might not know what to expect. Before your appointment, it is helpful to understand the types of fillings available, the overall procedure for installing one, and the benefits of doing so.
Fillings come in many varieties, and the right one for a patient will depend on factors that range from budgetary constraints to how much bite force the filling will need to endure. In general, though, there are three main types that patients can choose from:
No matter which type of filling a patient selects, the dentist will typically prepare the area in the same way. They will begin by isolating the tooth, applying any pain relief or numbing necessary, and then using drills and grinders of different sizes to carve away the enamel that has been affected by decay.
Once only healthy tooth material remains, the dentist will prepare the filling. Depending on the filling type, it may need to be mixed first, or they may need to prep a syringe (for careful application, not for injecting into the patient!). Then, they will install the filling material, making sure it completely covers the excised area. It may cure on its own, or it may need additional curing to harden.
Once the filling is hard, patients can test their new bite. If anything feels rough, sharp, or out of place, the dentist can make refinements until everything is comfortable.
A dental filling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep teeth safe after they have been affected by decay. Fillings are beneficial for patients’ oral health because they:
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If you need a dental filling, there is nothing to worry about! This simple procedure will help your natural tooth recover from decay so it stays around for as long as possible. Contact our office to schedule your filling or ask questions about the process.
Request an appointment or call M.Y. Dental Spa at 212-935-3212 for an appointment in our New York office.
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