When 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Dental sealants are among the services a family dentist provides to help prevent tooth decay. Dentists perform the application on the back teeth, or molars, used primarily for chewing. These teeth have tiny crevices and uneven places where the bacteria that can cause cavities are often found. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can…
When choosing a family dentist, parents may need to consider the ages of the children as well as the family's overall dental needs. If the children are old enough to sit in a dentist’s chair, they are good candidates for being treated by a regular family dentist, but these practices do not always take infants…
For those tired of making numerous trips to different offices for dental care for the whole family, it may be time to make the switch to a family dentist. Unlike general dentistry where services are focused on a particular age group, family dentistry provides oral care for people of different age ranges in a family.For…
Dental sealants are among the services a family dentist provides to help prevent tooth decay. Dentists perform the application on the back teeth, or molars, used primarily for chewing. These teeth have tiny crevices and uneven places where the bacteria that can cause cavities are often found. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can…
When choosing a family dentist, parents may need to consider the ages of the children as well as the family's overall dental needs. If the children are old enough to sit in a dentist’s chair, they are good candidates for being treated by a regular family dentist, but these practices do not always take infants…