Have a Tooth Cavity? Try Dental Fillings

Schedule at one of our locations!

Teeth cavities are common and they affect both adults and children alike. When you have mild teeth caries, the dentist may opt for dental fillings. These are the most common procedure in the world as it helps to treat cavities and preserve your natural teeth. Before you come for the dental fillings in Granville, OH, here is what you need to know:

What Are Teeth Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorations used to treat and restore the function, integrity, and strength of your teeth. These fixtures are available in different materials. A dentist near you will take you through the fillings materials, their pros, and cons. The available options include:

Amalgam filling. These have been used for years as they are strong and durable. The fillings are made of mercury mixed with other materials like silver, copper, and tin. While these fillings are popular, they have been at the center of controversy. It is believed that the mercury content in the fillings can cause toxicity in the body. That’s probably the reason why most people are switching to the non-mercury fillings. However, the ADA has reported that these dental fillings are safe and rarely cause any problems.
Gold fillings. These filings are durable, but a bit expensive. They are strong and can survive the chewing and biting pressure. That is why they are mostly used on the back teeth.
Porcelain fillings. These are tooth-colored and they resemble your teeth. They are as durable and as expensive as the gold fillings.

When Are the Dental Fillings Necessary?

Our tooth filling dentist can recommend dental fillings if you have:

Mild to moderate dental cavities that do not extend to the inner part of the teeth.
Tiny holes in the teeth. These can trap food particles, giving room for bacteria to develop.
Fracture teeth
Severely discolored teeth
Worn-down teeth

How Are They Fixed?

Fixing the teeth fillings is done in one dental visit and lasts for a few minutes. The dentist will first begin by assessing the teeth to check the extent of the decay. Next, he will anesthetize the gums around the affected tooth.

Using either a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument (the choice of instrument will depend on your comfort level, location, and extent of the decay), the dentist will drill the teeth to remove the decayed part.

Next, the dentist will test the area to check if there is any decay left. Space is prepared for a filling by cleaning the cavity of the bacteria and debris. At times a composite resin or glass ionomer is used to protect the nerve if the decay is near the nerve.

After fixing the tooth filling, our dentist near you, will clean and polish the teeth for a final look.

The process of fixing the filling may be longer if a composite filling is used. After the dentist has cleaned the area, he will apply the filling in layers and harden it with a special light. The filling is then reshaped to attain the desired shape and the excess material is trimmed.

How Long Does it Take for the Fillings to Set?

How long it takes for the filling to harden will depend on the material used. The amalgam fillings will take about 24 hours. The composite fillings are lightly cured and therefore take about 20 seconds for each layer to set.

Regardless of how long it takes for the fillings to set it is important to avoid eating hard foods that can cause them to come out. The metal fillings are sensitive to heat and cold temperatures and this may cause sensitivity. Therefore, avoid taking very hot or cold foods in the first few days until the fillings harden and set.

You can also reduce sensitivity by:

Using the other side of the mouth to chew
Avoid taking acidic foods
Use a desensitizing toothpaste
Take pain medication to ease discomfort

Examine your filling and contact a dentist near you if your bit feels off or if the sensitivity persists.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Town & Country Dentistry for more information about dental fillings and how they work. Call us now to schedule an appointment with our dentist near you and learn more about dental fillings. Our dentist in 43023, also welcome to the patients living in Granville Square Apartments, New Burg Street, Pinehurst Drive, Poppy Lane, Denison Drive, and nearby communities.