The first step involves your Fremont dentist examining your teeth for tooth decay. Dental fillings are ideal for small holes caused by tooth decay. Dentists may recommend a root canal or a tooth extraction for severe dental decay. Once you get the green light, the dentist injects local anesthetic in the gum tissue below the tooth to numb the region.
The dentist uses a drill, laser, or air abrasion equipment to remove the decayed parts of the tooth. They’ll then gently shape the remaining tooth to create room and prepare its surface for the dental filling. Once completed, the dentist will select an appropriate filling material, then place it in the void(covering it completely) and mold it to mimic the tooth’s natural shape.
The dentists will use dental polishing paste and a rubber cup to polish the tooth so that it matches the natural contours. Doing so ensures proper alignment with the opposite teeth and a correct bite. The polishing also gives the dental filling a natural sheen to match the rest of your teeth. It also makes the teeth less prone to staining.
The dentist might make a few adjustments to the feeling's shape and height to ensure the patient’s comfort and a proper bite. They’ll also give you instructions on how to take good care of your dental fillings to ensure they don’t fall out. You’ll also get prescriptions for pain medication to reduce pain and discomfort following the procedure.
You may need a dental filling if your teeth are too sensitive to hot and cold foods. You might also need the procedure if your dental floss tears while flossing or if you have visible holes in your teeth. Dark spots on your teeth may also warrant a dental filling. The same goes for chipped teeth or teeth with damaged filling. However, the dentist will be the one to decide whether you need dental fillings.
No, getting dental fillings isn’t painful because of the local anesthetic the dentist uses the numb the nerves in and around the affected tooth. You may feel a slight pinch during the injection but no pain afterward. You’ll also feel mild pain and discomfort following the procedure, which you can easily manage with OTC painkillers.