Dental Fillings: What Should You Expect?

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used in dental care to fill a problematic tooth. They repair a broken or decayed tooth by sealing the hole or cavity formed on the enamel. In most cases, dental fillings are offered following a toothache. A toothache is the greatest sign of a damaged tooth that requires treatment before it is too late. Dental Fillings in Chicago are for the sole purpose of saving the natural tooth to elongate its use.

What Are The Different Types of Fillings?

Dental fillings types vary depending on needs and preferences. The only difference significant enough for the different types is the dental fillings material. A dentist will recommend the most suitable material for a patient’s need. However, the patient can opt for the filling of choice based on taste, preferences, and budget. The different types include:

• Silver filling – they are the most common types of fillings in dental care. Compared to others, they are relatively affordable for patients. These fillings feature silver material. They are also called Amalgam.
• Gold fillings – are costly compared to silver fillings, given they feature gold material. They are preferred because of the strength of the metal used.
• Composite dental fillings – these are quickly gaining popularity in dentistry. They are made of a resin material that is usually tooth-colored. This gives patients a more natural-looking appeal as compared to other fillings. However, composite fillings are very expensive. They can cost twice as much as silver fillings, which is why they are mostly considered as a cosmetic option for treating teeth.

What Should You Expect During The Treatment?

The procedure for getting dental fillings is not complex. It also does not take too long. However, this all depends on the condition of the tooth being treated. Some patients have to undergo root canal therapy before getting dental fillings. Other than that, the procedure usually involves the following:

• Teeth cleaning – professionally cleaning your teeth will help get rid of the food residues and plaque in your teeth. It is also the ideal way to wash off the decay and infection in the cavity of the damaged tooth. When cleaning out the damaged tooth, the dentist has to inject local anesthesia. This will help numb the area to reduce any discomfort and sensitivity in your tooth as the dentist is working. The cleaning process of the damaged tooth might involve the use of a drill.
• Filling the tooth – the dentist will then seal all the gaps and holes in your teeth after the cleaning. The filling swill ensures that any liquids, foods, acids, or bacteria do not breach the tooth and get to the root of your teeth. The filling is supposed to cover the entire hole made by the cavity of tooth breakage.

What Should You Expect After The Treatment?

Once your procedure is done, you are cleared for home. Your tooth or entire mouth will still feel numb a couple of hours after the treatment. This should wear out as soon as the local anesthesia clears in your system. Within the period, you may feel itchy, puffy, or tingly. All these feelings are normal following the procedure. However, they should not last more than a day. You want to avoid eating when your mouth is still numb. This can result in accidentally biting yourself because you cannot feel your tongue or mouth.

After the numbing wears off, you should expect some sensitivity in the treated tooth. This can happen upon different triggers. For some patients, talking too much can allow air into the tooth and cause some slight sensitivity. However, most patients experience it when eating. This is especially so when taking foods of extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold. It is also expected that your tooth will be sensitive when you bite hard on foods or items. You may want to avoid hard foods and candies for a while. The sensitivity, however, comes shortly and quickly and then goes away.

Dealing With Sensitivity after Treatment

The sensitivity is not supposed to last very long. Once you are used to your new fillings, it should go away. However, it is best to try out a desensitizing toothpaste to help you cope. You can also try over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the discomfort and pain.