Dental tooth filling – during and after

What exactly is a tooth filling, and why would a dentist perform this procedure? Most people will need to have more than one tooth filled in their lifetime. Dental filling procedures are performed routinely to treat cavities, repair cracked teeth, or restore function to a tooth that may have worn down over time. The gap or hole created by a dentist after drilling out the tooth decay is filled with material made from either composite materials or amalgam. A dental filling procedure can typically take about one hour to complete. When your dentist recommends a dental filling, you can expect the following procedures during your visit:

1. After a dental x-ray and examination, the dentist will determine the location on your tooth to remove a cavity or devise a plan to repair the decayed tooth.
2. A local anesthetic is administered at the area of the affected tooth.
3. Tooth decay is removed from the affected tooth.
4. The tooth is restored using filling made from composite material or amalgam.
5. Once the tooth filling material sets and cures, the dentist will perform a bite check to ensure that the tooth aligns correctly and feels comfortable in your mouth.

Expect some soreness and discomfort after leaving the dental clinic.

You can expect some numbness and soreness around the affected tooth after you leave the clinic. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you can feel some pain or slight discomfort around the filled tooth. Be sure to call your dentist if the pain becomes unbearable; your dentist can prescribe pain medication to help you manage pain. After a few days, you can feel some sensitivity in the filled tooth or around it as you adjust to the filling.

Eating and drinking foods can be uncomfortable.

Eating food or drinks can be uncomfortable. Most dentist will recommend that you should not eat or drink foods immediately after a tooth filling. If you should eat or drink, keep these simple tips in mind:

1. Chew slowly and gently bite because the affected area may still be tender and sore.
2. Don’t eat sticky foods because some fillings take time to set.
3. Avoid hot and cold drinks because the filled tooth may be sensitive.

If you are due for a dental checkup or have concerns about your fillings, be sure to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for your appointment.