There’s nothing worse than going to the dentist for a routine checkup only to be told you’ll need a filling or two because you have cavities. While it’s not an ideal situation to be in, fillings are generally nothing to be worried about. If you’ve never had one done before, we’ll guide you through the entire process regarding what to know and expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What to Expect During a Tooth Filling
Before we do anything to your teeth, we’ll start by taking x-rays of your mouth to confirm the cavities’ location. Once we’ve located them, we’ll generally inspect them to figure out the cavity’s severity level and what approach we will need to take to get them taken care of. Some cavities take longer than others to fill because they are large, while others can be taken care of much quicker because they are smaller.
After this, we’ll numb the area around the affected tooth with an anesthetic, usually a shot or numbing paste, so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the process.
We’ll wait for the anesthetic to kick in before we remove the decayed portion of the tooth with a drill. Afterward, we will sterilize the area and prepare it for filling. If the cavity ends up being deep and close to the root, we’ll insert a liner or resin to protect the nerve and alleviate tooth sensitivity.
The Different Types of Filling Options
Before we fill any cavities, you’ll choose between our two options: white composite fillings or tooth-colored fillings. Our white composite fillings match the natural color of your teeth, making it hard to tell that you had any cavities to begin with. These fillings can chemically bond to teeth, allowing for a better seal than silver amalgam fillings, which is the type of filling. We usually do not place amalgam fillings in our office.
Aftercare Tips After a Filling
The beauty of composite fillings is not just in their looks. After receiving fillings, they are ready to use immediately. However, the local anesthetic used may still keep you numb for a few hours. We recommend soft foods and smoothies until feeling has returned to your teeth.
Schedule a Filling with Oak Hills Dentistry
If you need to get dental work done, give us a call at Oak Hills Dentistry. We offer the best filling services because of using modern materials and bonding procedures in Layton, Utah, and will always make sure to provide you with the best possible dental experience and care. Schedule your appointment today!