What To Expect When You Get A Tooth Filled
Posted on: 3 April 2019
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If you need to get a tooth filling, you may be worried about how painful the procedure will be and how your tooth will look afterward. If you've never had a filling before, then not knowing what to expect can be unnerving. Here is an overview of the process of getting a filling and the choices you have in the materials used.
What Happens When You Get A Filling
If you've avoided the dentist because of a phobia, let your dentist know about your fears. You might be given nitrous oxide gas to help you relax until the local anesthetic takes effect. While it may be uncomfortable to have equipment and fingers in your mouth, the process shouldn't be painful since your tooth is numbed before drilling begins. It's necessary to drill away the decayed material before the filling is put in. While the drilling shouldn't be painful due to the anesthetic, the noise of it can be unsettling if you have a fear of dentists, so you may want to wear headphones and listen to music for distraction.
When the decay is removed, the filling is put in its place and allowed to cure. Your gum will probably be numb for several hours after the procedure so you should be careful when chewing and eating. Your dentist will let you know how soon you can eat because it depends on the type of filling you get.
Your Options In Dental Fillings
The filling you choose might depend on your budget or how you want the tooth to look. Amalgam fillings are silver in color so they are noticeable when you smile. However, they are the most affordable and your insurance may pay for them. Gold is another filling that is noticeable, but you may like the look of a gold filling. Gold fillings are expensive, but they last a long time and are good choices for back teeth that chew and grind. If you want a filling that blends in with your natural teeth, then you may want a resin or porcelain filling. These are all white, and the shade of white can be customized to match your tooth. A porcelain filling is the most expensive of the two, but it looks the most like natural enamel, so you may want a porcelain filling for a front tooth.
Porcelain fillings are made in a lab so it takes at least two visits to have one put in. On the first visit, the dentist makes an impression so the filling has an exact fit and on the second visit, the filling is put in. You wear a temporary filling while you wait. Resin fillings are made by your dentist and cured on the spot so they take only one visit. A resin filling is a popular choice when appearance and budget are both important considerations.
To learn more, reach out to a general dentistry service.