Receiving Your Dental Filling at Northwind Dental
A healthy smile not only contributes to our overall well-being but also enhances our confidence and self-esteem. Dental fillings play a crucial role in restoring both the functionality and aesthetics of damaged teeth, enabling individuals to enjoy a pain-free and beautiful smile. Whether it’s treating a small cavity or restoring a larger area of decay, dental fillings have become a routine procedure, ensuring optimal oral health and dental longevity.
To learn more about dental fillings, contact our Wasilla dentist by calling (907) 373-2440 to set up an appointment.
Our Dental Filling Process
Examination and Diagnosis
Our Wasilla dentist begins by examining the tooth and taking X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. The X-rays taken will provide a detailed view of the teeth and can reveal cavities between teeth or beneath the surface. Digital imaging techniques like intraoral cameras may also be used to capture detailed images of the affected tooth.
He’ll ask about your symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity and pain. Based on the findings, our dentist will determine if a dental filling is necessary.
Numbing the Area
To ensure a painless procedure, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable throughout the process.
In most cases, a rubber dam or cotton rolls will be used to isolate the tooth being treated. This keeps the tooth dry and prevents contamination from saliva.
Removing the Decay
Using specialized dental instruments, Dr. Dawson carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth. The area is then thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any bacteria or debris. The tooth is then shaped and cleaned to create a suitable surface for the filling material to adhere to. This may involve etching the tooth with a mild acid to improve bonding.
Filling Placement
Once the tooth is prepared, the chosen filling material is applied in layers. For composite fillings, the material is applied incrementally and hardened using a special light. Our dentist sculpts and shapes the filling to match the natural contours of the tooth, ensuring proper functionality and aesthetics.
Bite Adjustment and Polishing
After the filling material has hardened, Dr. Dawson vchecks the patient’s bite and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment. The filling is then polished, providing a smooth surface that feels natural within the mouth.
Aftercare
After your dental filling is placed, be sure to follow proper aftercare to ensure a successful recovery.
Sensitivity and Discomfort
It’s common to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the procedure. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days to a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort.
Resuming Normal Activities
You can typically resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, it’s a good idea to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods for a day or two.
Oral Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. It’s important to keep the filled tooth and the surrounding area clean to prevent further decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the dental filling process, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. This ensures that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, some patients may feel slight pressure or sensitivity during the removal of decayed material.
A single filling can be completed in 30 minutes to an hour. The duration of a dental filling procedure can vary depending on the size and location of the cavity being treated. More extensive cavities may require multiple appointments or additional time for preparation and placement of the filling material.
While dental fillings are designed to be long-lasting, there’s a possibility of a filling becoming loose or falling out over time. This can occur due to factors such as tooth decay or damage to the filling material. If you notice a filling becoming loose or dislodging, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Schedule an Appointment at Northwind Dental Today!
The dental fillings process is a vital procedure in dentistry that restores damaged teeth and promotes oral health. With various filling options available, our skilled dentist can precisely place durable and aesthetically pleasing materials. By prioritizing regular check-ups and addressing cavities promptly, individuals can maintain a healthy smile and prevent further complications.
Contact our Wasilla dentist today by calling (907) 373-2440 to schedule a consultation.