Are you tired of toothaches caused by cavities? Nobody enjoys having cavities in their teeth, but you won’t fear dental visits when the treatment is simple and painless. A tooth filling is a common dental procedure that repairs tooth decay and halts more damage. The longevity of the cavity-filling procedure depends on several factors. Keep reading this blog and learn more about dental fillings.
What is a Cavity Filling?
A cavity filling is a common dental procedure used to fix tooth decay. Cavity is a tiny hole that forms when oral bacteria release acids that break down tooth enamel. A dentist removes the decaying tooth and implants a filling substance, such as amalgam or composite resin, into the cavity to stop more damage and toothaches.
There are 4 types of dental filling, including:
- Amalgam
- Gold fillings
- Ceramic fillings
- Composite resin
How Long Does a Filling Procedure Take?
A cavity may usually be filled in an hour or less. While a bigger filling or several fillings may require more time, simple fillings can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. Your dentist can decide to space out the fillings over several appointments if you have more than 1 cavity.
It usually takes roughly the same amount of time to replace an old filling as it does to receive a new one. The process could take a little longer if the old filling needs to be drilled out.
What Happens in the Filling Procedure?
Your dentist will first apply a local anesthetic to the gums surrounding the tooth that has to be filled. Once the effect of anesthetic starts, the dentist will use a dental drill to eliminate tooth decay. Cleaning away the decaying material is necessary to prevent further tooth corrosion.
Your dentist will next either take a tooth imprint or use the filling material to fill the cavity. Blue light is required to harden some filler material types. The area has to be polished when everything is finished. It is done to make sure there are no sharp edges that might cause harm.
When Do You Need a Filling?
You could require a dental filling if you have tooth decay or a chipped, broken tooth. However, not every tooth problem that needs fillings is obvious. The following are some indicators that you require a filling:
- Teeth that are harsh to the touch
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity of teeth
- Food becoming lodged in certain teeth
- Grey teeth
Summing Up!
A dental filling takes between 20 minutes and an hour to complete. However, depending on factors including the kind of filling, the dental material, and the size of the decaying region, the precise time required to have a dental filling might vary.
If you require a cavity filling, consult our expert dentist, Dr. Esteban Garza, DDS, MAGD, at Champions Dental. You can call (281) 866-0442 to book your appointment.
