Infection Control Procedures

A Family Dentist Explains Fillings

A Family Dentist Explains Fillings from Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the North Shore in Swampscott, MAWhen a tooth develops decay, it can be restored to normal function through a dental filling by a family dentist. Decay that does not cause pain is often discovered through routine dental visits, but sometimes cavities are symptomatic. While the type of filling recommended by the dentist depends on the location and size of the damage, this simple dental procedure follows similar steps each time.

How a family dentist performs a filling

Dental fillings are common dental procedures that address the presence of cavities. When one is found during a dental exam, the dentist follows a standard set of procedures to correct the problem.

Evaluation and planning

During an annual dental check-up, a family dentist evaluates the patient's teeth for signs of decay. If any is present, the provider creates a plan of care to address it. This typically includes scheduling a time to remove the decayed part of the tooth using either a drill or laser and then filling the resulting hole with a composite resin, amalgam, gold, ceramic, or glass ionomer material. The chosen filling material depends on several factors, including the location of the cavity, age of the patient, size of the damage, budget, and preference of the patient.

Pain prevention

Since cavity removal can sometimes involve access to the nerve root of the tooth, pain prevention may be recommended before the procedure begins. Some patients who have a history of anxiety during dental procedures may also request additional medication to lessen nervousness.

Decay removal

After the area surrounding the decayed tooth is numb, the dentist uses a special handheld drill or laser to remove the damaged area completely. After the removal, the area is cleansed thoroughly to remove any remaining debris and prevent infection.

Filling process

Once all signs of decay have been removed from the tooth and the area has been disinfected, the resulting hole must be filled with a type of dental material to replace the missing portion. If the hole is deep enough to reach the pulp, a protective liner material may be placed over the pulp before the filling material is added. Most types of fillings are cured and hardened with a special light, after which the dentist polishes and smooths the surface of the tooth to make it ready for use.

Post-procedure care

After the filling process is complete, it may take a little while for the numbness to subside. During this time, it is important to take care while eating or drinking to avoid accidental damage to the lips. Further post-procedure care may involve a follow-up appointment to make sure everything went well with the process. Patients should receive instruction about recommended oral hygiene steps to learn how to avoid cavities in the future.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Swampscott, MA

Conclusion

Fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures performed at a family dentist’s office. Most dentists follow a similar series of steps to ensure a positive outcome and help prevent future cavities from forming.

Request an appointment or call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the North Shore at 781-443-8268 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.

Recent Posts

When To Get An Oral Cancer Screening From Your Family Dentist

Oral cancer occurs inside the mouth and is so often called mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, and a family dentist will usually check for this disease during routine dental visits. However, if you are experiencing abnormal mouth pain, lumps, or lesions before your next exam, it may be a good idea to schedule an…

How Often Should You See The Family Dentist

According to the American Dental Association, little more than half of Americans visit a family dentist twice yearly, which is the frequency with which the ADA recommends checkups. This means that an overwhelming percentage — more than 40% — only schedule a visit when something is wrong. Individuals who fall into the latter category may…

What To Expect When A Family Dentist Cleans Your Teeth

Routine dental cleanings by a family dentist are essential for maintaining excellent oral health. Although it is crucial for patients to practice good oral hygiene daily at home, regular visits to a family dental practice allow for a more thorough tooth cleaning than patients can achieve on their own. Knowing what to expect before visiting…

Recent Posts

Popular CEREC Restoration Options

Popular CEREC Restoration Options

CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) combines a computer, milling instrument, and camera into one unified machine. It allows dentists to create tooth restorations in the dental clinic in a single visit. This is a convenient and efficient way to help patients who need quick dental restorations. If you want to find out about…

Choose CEREC Ceramic Crowns Over Other Traditional Crown Materials

Choose CEREC Ceramic Crowns Over Other Traditional Crown Materials

CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) ceramic crowns are innovative restorations. Patients appreciate the many advantages of CEREC crowns over traditional crown materials. The technology of these restorations continues to bring bigger smiles in many communities. Choosing CEREC ceramic crowns is an easy decision. If you want to know why, here are the details.CEREC…