What Should You Expect When Getting a Dental Filling?

March 2, 2022

A trip to the dentist is never a pleasant thought. Many of us dread it. The general anxiety before a visit is palpable. What most people don't know is that a perfect dental filling procedure is one of the safest and most painless procedures out there. It is a step-wise process that is handled by trained professionals. At the end of it, you will not only come away smiling but will have averted a dental crisis that could have impacted your daily life.
Let's look at what a typical dental filling session looks like. After your show up at the dentist's offices, here is what you will experience:

1) Initial Exam and Preparation

Your dentist will reexamine the area and check any older scans and X-rays. They may do so with another dentist to identify the best approach based on the extent of decay as well as your general health. They may use dyes or dental or gently prod the area with instruments to zero in the area that needs the filling.
After an evaluation, they tell you the procedure in simple terms and indicate the time it would need. They may also quiz you if you have consumed any meals or beverages before arriving at the clinic. This information tells them the dosage of any pain relief medication they can administer before starting.

2) Dental Filling Procedure

Unlike many other dental procedures, a filling needs little or no readiness. The process is non-invasive and gets over fast. Your dentist will calmly walk you through what they are doing and why they are doing it. Dentists usually send you a list of Dos and Dont's before you show up for your appointment. A few things they may suggest include:
• Brush your teeth as usual and gargle with a mouthwash. • Avoid driving a vehicle to the appointment. A few people may feel groggy after the local anaesthetic. • Eat light before you arrive and pick up a morning slot, so you don't have to stress over it throughout the day.

What Should You Expect When Getting a Dental Filling?

3) Applying Local Anaesthesia

Applying a local anaesthetic numbs the area around the decay site. It lasts for a short time, but it effectively takes away any discomfort. You won't feel a thing when the dentist uses any implements to survey and fill the cavity.
Dentists may use a topical gel or an injection administered close to the decayed tooth. You will hardly feel a prick. Most dentists gently ask you if you feel any pain while they work with you. Sometimes they may give you a second dose of anaesthesia during the procedure if the effect wears off sooner than expected.
The effect of the anaesthetic may last an hour at the most. This time window is ample to complete the procedure comfortably.

4) Prepare and Apply Filling

The main part of the procedure is the application of the filling. The dentist will prepare the site and clean any gunk stuck in the teeth and nearby areas. They may ask you to gargle mouthwash and rinse it several times to make sure that the area is clean and disinfected thoroughly.
The professional dentist may use a composite or a resin filling based on the diagnosis. First, they apply an adhesive material to the area. This helps it bond to the tooth. After this, the actual filling material is applied to the area with the decay or damage.
The material is applied and moulded until the dentist is sure that it has sealed any gaps. This is done to ensure no further decay occurs at the site.

5) After Care

The dentist will smooth any rough edges and check the area with a small mirror. Any finishing touches are applied until the site looks natural. They may ask you to move the area and perform small biting actions to see if the bite is natural and not touching any sensitive areas such as the gums.
After the procedure, you can go home immediately. The dentist usually prescribes a few over-the-counter pain killers to help with any pain. They will also share a list of foods and beverages to avoid for 1-2 days until the filling site has healed. Make sure that you follow these instructions and maintain good oral hygiene for the next few days.
A follow-up visit is rarely needed for dental fillings. In rare cases, you may have to make a return trip if the filling is coming loose or causing more discomfort than usual. Keep an eye out for any pains or issues, and reach out to the dental clinic if you have questions.

< Older Post

Newer Post >