If you’ve never gotten a tooth filling before, you may be nervous about what to expect. However, this minor restorative procedure is a painless common practice for fixing cavities and tooth decay—and nothing to be afraid of. If you’re getting a filling in the near future, review the guide below to learn how to prepare. 

Why Are Fillings Needed?

When tooth decay degrades part of a tooth, a cavity forms. If left untreated, cavities can expose nerves inside the tooth, compromise the structural integrity of a tooth, or become infected.

Getting a filling plugs up cavities to strengthen the affected tooth and keep bacteria or plaque from causing an infection. Even if you have a small, slow-growing cavity, it will need to be treated to keep your teeth healthy long term.

What Is the Procedure Like?

For a tooth filling, the dentist will start by making you comfortable. First, they will numb the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. Then, they will use a dental drill to carefully remove any decayed tooth. After it has been thoroughly cleaned, the dentist will select a filling material for the cavity—this is typically either amalgam or composite resin.

Composite resin is most often used for fillings. It replicates the color of teeth, lasts for up to 15 years, and is sculpted then cured with ultraviolet light to restore a tooth. The result is natural-looking, strong, and functional again.

Amalgam is a mixture of metals like gold or silver that completely covers the tooth. They are less expensive than a composite resin filling and will last much longer, but don’t look as natural.

What to Expect Afterward

After a filling, you may have residual numbness in your mouth for several hours. Your restored tooth may be sensitive to heat and cold for a few days as well, but this will fade over time.

If you experience tooth discomfort after a filling, contact your dentist to follow up on your procedure. Continue to practice brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash twice daily to prevent future tooth decay. 

To make your smile strong and bright, turn to an experienced, trusted dentist at Waterford Dental Health of Waterford, CT. Their office uses the latest technology to provide expert dental care in everything from cosmetic dentistry to standard cleanings, tooth fillings, root canals, and sedation dentistry for patients who get nervous during dental procedures. To schedule a consultation, call (860) 447-2235 or visit their website to browse their services.