Information about the Dental Filling Procedure

When you visit your dentist in East Greenwich, RI for a regular checkup, he may discover upon examining your teeth that you have tooth decay or other tooth damage, such as a fracture of the tooth. The dentist may treat cavities or dental fractures by a type of restorative dental procedure known as a dental filling. A dental filling can even out the surface of the tooth giving you a better bite and making it easier to chew food.

Also, is you are having tooth sensitivity, that is discomfort when brushing, flossing, or eating cold or hot foods; you should also discuss this with your dentist in East Greenwich, RI. You may be losing enamel from your teeth, which can cause tooth decay and sensitivity of the teeth. This problem can be eliminated or at least significantly improved by having a dental filling of the affected tooth or teeth.

Before determining if you need dental fillings, the dentist will do some diagnostic tests to find out the extent of the tooth decay. This will include a physical examination of your teeth using a dental probe with a special liquid that can help detect cavities, as well as dental x-rays to find the exact location of any tooth decay.

If the dentist finds tooth decay and determines that you will need dental fillings, he will advise you of dental filling options for sealing up the cavity and preventing the tooth decay from spreading to other teeth. Some options for dental fillings include amalgam or silver, gold, or direct composite bonding.

Often, the dentist may be able to complete your feeling on the same day of your visit. When your dentist fills your tooth, he will anesthetize the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. This will help reduce the amount of pain you feel during the procedure. You can also have other forms of sedation during the procedure if you are worried about feeling any discomfort or pain during the procedure. If you choose to be sedated during the procedure, you will need to make sure you have someone to drive you have as you will be groggy coming out from under the anesthesia.

The dentist must first remove the decayed tooth material with a dental instrument or laser and cleanse the area to remove any bacteria. Once the decayed material is removed, a composite filling is placed in the hollow area inside the tooth. Adhesives are used to harden the composite material. Once a dental filling is complete, the teeth should function normally and look natural.  You may have to eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the filling for the first day or so after having a dental filling procedure.

If you have any question s or concerns about dental fillings, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in East Greenwich, RI, who can give you more information about the dental filling procedure and other dental procedures that may be necessary.