Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are an important dental procedure as they are used to fill cavities in the teeth to prevent food particles and other bacteria from causing any infection. There are several types of material that can be used for a filling – cast gold fillings, silver fillings, tooth-coloured composites, and ceramic. While both gold and silver fillings last much longer than composite and ceramic fillings, they require more work on the tooth and offer poor aesthetics.

How Does the Dentist Fill a Tooth?

The dentist will start by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They will then use a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument to remove the decayed area of the tooth. Once removed, they will clean the cavity and proceed with filling the area. If the decay is near the root, your dentist will first insert a liner to protect the nerve and then fill the area. Once the filling process is complete, they will polish the filling.

How to Care for Dental Fillings

Maintain your dental filings in the same way that you care for teeth. Brush at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Try to floss at least once a day to remove food particles that sit between the teeth and gums. If you notice a crack in a filling or missing piece, you should see your dentist. If your tooth becomes extremely sensitive or you feel a sharp edge, this may also be cause for concern.