Services
Dental Filling
A dental filling is a procedure used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. It involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the area, and filling it with a suitable material like composite resin or amalgam. This restores the tooth’s function, prevents further decay, and maintains oral health.
What is it?
A dental filling is a restorative dental procedure designed to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or minor fractures. During the procedure, the dentist first numbs the area around the affected tooth to ensure comfort. Next, they use a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed portion of the tooth, creating a clean cavity. After cleaning the area thoroughly, the dentist fills the cavity with a suitable material to restore the tooth’s function and prevent further decay. The filling material is shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth and hardened using a special light or chemical process, ensuring a durable and natural-looking restoration.
Whats included
- Preparation: Numbing the tooth and surrounding area to alleviate discomfort during the procedure.
- Removal of decay: Carefully extracting decayed portions of the tooth to create a clean surface for filling.
- Filling placement: Inserting and shaping the filling material to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
- Finishing: Polishing the filling to ensure a smooth surface that blends with the rest of the tooth, optimizing comfort and aesthetics.
What happens?
During a dental filling procedure, the dentist first administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring the patient’s comfort throughout. Once the area is numb, the dentist uses specialized instruments such as a dental drill or laser to carefully remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth. This step is crucial to prevent the decay from spreading further and compromising more of the tooth’s structure.
After removing the decay, the dentist thoroughly cleans the cavity to remove any debris or bacteria. They then choose an appropriate filling material based on factors such as the location and extent of the decay, as well as the patient’s preferences. Common filling materials include composite resin, amalgam (a mixture of metals), gold, or ceramic.
Need To Know
Appointments
- 1 single appointment
How long it takes
- It usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes
You may be asked about
- Your dental and medical history
- Your normal oral care routine at home
- Any problem areas or pain
Before your appointment
- No special preparation needed.
After your appointment
- You can usually carry on as normal.
Quick tip
- If your dentist gives you advice about daily dental care like teeth brushing techniques and how often you should floss, write it down. It takes time to build a new habit – some say 21 days or more. In the meantime, here’s a handy idea. Stick your note about your new dental care routine on your bathroom mirror as a daily reminder.