Preserve Your Tooth With A Filling
Cavities are the single most common preventable dental health issue among people of all ages. If you have a cavity, it’s important to get the appropriate treatment as soon as you can. Getting a filling for a cavity will relieve any pain or discomfort, prevent the cavity from getting worse, and save you time and money in the long run. Contact us now to schedule a dental appointment in Redmond, WA, or learn more below.
Signs That You Need A Filling
- A sore or achy tooth
- Visible staining, pitting, or holes in one of your teeth
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Pain or discomfort when chewing, particularly when eating sweet foods
What Are Composite Fillings?
At our office, we exclusively use composite fillings. These fillings use a blend of dental resin and crushed glass and are a great alternative to metal amalgam fillings. They have multiple benefits compared to metal fillings.
First, they can be matched perfectly to the color of your teeth, providing you with better cosmetic results and restoring the beauty of your smile. Composite fillings also require less preparation of the tooth during the placement process, which means less of your natural enamel will be removed while preparing for your filling. Finally, composite fillings bond tightly to the teeth, strengthening them and keeping your smile healthy.
The Filling Process
Dr. Bickel will begin the filling process by cleaning and numbing the treatment area. Once your mouth has been cleaned and is numb, Dr. Bickel will begin trimming away damaged enamel and tooth material. Once all of your decayed enamel has been removed, he will clean and disinfect the area to remove bacteria.
Next, Dr. Bickel will choose a composite filling material that matches your tooth perfectly, and apply it directly to your tooth, filling in the cavity layer-by-layer and restoring the natural shape and appearance of your tooth.
Once the tooth has been filled, he will trim and adjust the filling to ensure your bite is perfect. After your bite has been checked and the fit of your filling has been adjusted, it will be buffed and polished to match the surrounding tooth material.
Do Fillings Hurt?
The process of getting a filling does not hurt at all. Your mouth will be completely numb. You may feel some vibrations, but you will feel no discomfort. You can also choose to be sedated during your appointment, if desired.
It’s common for fillings to feel somewhat sensitive for about 2-4 weeks, particularly when eating hot and cold foods. This will fade in time. If your tooth continues to feel extremely sensitive after 2-4 weeks or you start experiencing pain or discomfort, contact our office right away for a follow-up appointment.
When Do I Need A Filling?
Fillings are the best option for treating cavities. If you have a mild-to-moderate cavity in Redmond, WA, a dental filling is the best way to eliminate your discomfort, prevent complications related to decay, and restore your smile.
In the filling process, your decayed tooth will be trimmed to remove decayed, damaged tooth material, and sanitized to eliminate bacteria.
Then, Dr. Bickel will apply composite resin to your tooth layer-by-layer, hardening it and sculpting it to fill up the cavity and restore the appearance and functionality of your tooth.
Once Dr. Bickel is done, your tooth will look and feel completely normal once again. Not only that, but the decay will be eliminated, and the cavity will not come back as long as you maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
You can expect your filling to last you for decades to come, depending on the location in your mouth, how well you care for your teeth and the material from which the filling was made.
To make sure your filling lasts as long as possible, schedule your regular six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams. Dr. Bickel can examine your teeth and your fillings, and make sure that your filling is still in good shape.
How Do I Care For My Filling?
As mentioned above, you need to make sure you come to our office every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning. But proper at-home oral care is also essential for maintaining your filling and your natural teeth.
Because of this, you need to make sure that you brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once per day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash once a day can also help eliminate bacteria and reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Follow these steps to stay cavity-free, and maximize the lifespan of your filling.
