Dental Tooth Fillings: Everything You Need To Know

If you've recently been to the dentist and been told that you need a tooth filling, you might be feeling a little anxious or unsure about what that entails. Don't worry! This blog post provides all the information you need to know about dental tooth fillings, from what they are to how they're done.

What Is a Dental Tooth Filling?

A dental tooth filling is a procedure in which a dentist uses a material to fill a cavity that has formed in your tooth. A cavity is basically a small hole in your tooth that can be caused by decay or other damage. The purpose of a filling is to restore your tooth to its original shape and size, as well as to prevent further damage from occurring.

The two main types of fillings are amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth-coloured). Amalgam fillings are made up of mercury, silver, tin and copper. Composite fillings are newer and made up of plastic and glass. Both types of fillings are effective, but composite fillings are more popular nowadays because they blend in with your natural teeth better.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Getting a dental filling is usually a pretty straightforward procedure. First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tissue around the tooth. Then, they will use a drill to remove the decay caused by the cavity. Once the decay has been removed, they will clean out the tooth and prepare it for the filling material.

Next, they will place the filling material into the hole that was left by the cavity and shape it so that it fits snugly. Once the filling material is in place, the dentist will harden it using a special light. Finally, they will check to make sure that the filling feels smooth and even before dismissing you from the appointment.

Do You Need to Perform Aftercare?

Once you have your filling, there's not much you need to do in terms of aftercare. Just brush and floss normally, and try to avoid chewing on hard foods with that tooth while the filling sets. Other than that, just keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine, and you should be good to go!

Conclusion

Now that you know more about dental fillings, hopefully, you feel more confident about getting one if your dentist has recommended it. Just remember that getting a dental filling is nothing to worry about — it's quick, easy and painless. And once it's done, you'll have nothing to worry about except keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine. Contact your dentist to find out more about dental tooth fillings.