If one or more of your teeth stat to decay, you will likely require a filling. This is a common procedure. However, if you’ve never had any cavity fillings before, you may be curious about what the procedure entails. Please continue reading to learn about some of the martial in fillings and how our seasoned dental fillings/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, can help you resolve your oral health issues.
What is a Cavity Filling?
Many patients worry that the process of filing a cavity will be a time-consuming and painful experience. However, the process of filling cavities is fairly simple. A filling is essential a sealant that seals a hole or cavity in a tooth. It helps treat tooth decay and prevents further damage, tooth loss, and the possibility of infections. Essentially, it restores a damaged tooth by removing the decay, cleaning, shaping, polishing the affected area, and restoring the tooth to its normal function. While filling a cavity may cause mild discomfort, it will not cause pain. If you experience moderate or severe pain during or after the procedure, you should speak to your dentist, as they will take the appropriate steps to remedy this issue.
Typically, cavity fillings take around an hour as they are relatively straightforward procedures for dentists. Before the procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb your teeth, gums, and surrounding skin to avoid discomfort during the procedure. Once the anesthetic has taken full effect, they will use a dental drill or later to remove decay from your tooth. They will also reshape the tooth to prepare for the filling. There are several different types of fillings. Depending on the filling material, they may use a gel to prepare the area. From here, your dentist will begin to apply the filling material. Finally, after the filling has been applied, your dentist will polish the area. This step ensures no edges remain on or around the filling, preventing uncomfortable friction.
What Are the Different Types of Fillings?
Fortunately for patients, there are many options available for tooth fillings. The two most popular types of cavity fillings include:
- Amalgam fillings: This is one of the most common types of cavity fillings. It’s a silver mixture that’s composed of different metals, such as copper, tin, and mercury. These fillings are strong and ideal for cavities in the back of the mouth (back molars), where chewing takes place. The material is durable and lasts a long time. However, they are noticeable when you open your mouth. They are typically the least expensive type of cavity-filling material.
- Composite fillings: This is another popular choice, as the material is tooth-colored. This material consists of resin and a combination of glass or quartz filler. They are fairly durable and ideal for small to mid-size restorations in areas of your mouth.
If you are experiencing tooth pain due to a cavity and believe you may need a filling, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with the trusted team at Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, who can help you find the right treatment for your oral health needs.
