Dental News

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Filling

January 24, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Filling If you’ve never had a filling then you may be nervous about the process. While it is something that most people will have at some point in their lives, it’s understandable that the first time can be nerve wracking. At California Dental Group we encourage you to give us a call with any questions. You can also read on to learn the basics of the cavity filling process.

Fillings are important

It’s a question we hear all the time: Is a filling really necessary? The truth is that if you have a cavity and elect not to have it filled, then it’s going to get worse. What’s more, the additional decay can lead to bone loss. The good news is that fillings are almost completely painless so there’s no reason to avoid them.

There are a wide range of filling options

There are a wide range of materials you can choose to have your fillings done in. The right choice for you will depend on what you think looks best, your budget, and what function you need your filling to serve. Some examples of popular filling materials include:

  • Gold.
  • Amalgam.
  • Composite.
  • Ceramic.
  • Glass ionomers.

A step-by-step guide to your filling

The specific steps for your filling may vary based on your unique needs. In most cases, the first step will be for us to numb the area we’re going to work on with local anesthesia. This will ensure you feel no pain but it doesn’t last more than an hour or two so you can get back to your normal activities quickly.

When you’re numb, we’ll get rid of the decayed tissue using our special drill. We’ll then clean out any debris and install the filling. If you have a particularly deep feeling, then we may put a liner over your filling to ensure that the nerve in your tooth is protected.

Finally, we’ll polish the filling and you’ll be on your way. You’ll need to be carefully chewing and drinking because your lips and gums will be numb. Your new filling may be sensitive for a few weeks after your filling. You can avoid this by minimizing how many hot or cold foods you have.

How to take good care of your filling

Before you leave California Dental Group, we’ll be sure to give you after-care instructions. This will include regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental check-ups. The sooner we can spot a cavity, the easier it is to repair. In some cases, we can even catch issues early enough that you can prevent a cavity altogether. Call us today at (800) 407-0161 to set up your appointment.

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