dental fillings

What to Expect When Getting Dental Fillings | Forked River NJ

There are a few reasons why you may need to get a tooth filled, but chipping and decay are the most common ones. Dental fillings are usually placed in a single appointment, except in cases where you require a fairly large filling that needs to be fabricated outside your mouth and then bonded to the tooth. The latter case is, however, uncommon because large fillings may not be as long-lasting as smaller fillings. Dental crowns may be more suitable for such situations. 

Any cases of broken teeth or decay should be treated as early as possible through dental fillings. Tooth-colored dental fillings help to restore the beauty of your smile while returning the normal function of your mouth when eating, talking or laughing. 

There are two basic steps for dental fillings:

Step 1: Tooth Preparation

If the dentist determines that fillings are the best option to repair your tooth, the area will be anesthetized using a numbing injection to prevent you from feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure. Next, the dentist will remove any decay and clean the site to avoid trapping bacteria inside the tooth that may cause rot from within. Keep in mind that dental cavities have a rough surface that is harder to keep clean and traps bacteria in the mouth, which leads to tooth decay. Hence, the cavity has to be thoroughly cleaned and dried before filling it. 

Step 2: Adding the Filling Material 

When the site is ready, the filling material of your choice is applied directly to the tooth, layer by layer until the desired form is achieved. The material is then cemented in place using a special light to ensure it’s securely bonded to your tooth. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today 

If tooth infections continue untreated, the cavity can enlarge and infect the pulp tissue, putting you at risk of more expensive treatment or even tooth loss. Please schedule a dental consultation with your dentist in Forked River to discuss your suitability for dental fillings and other treatment options.