Dental fillings rarely start with a patient that is looking for their teeth to get a filling, despite the fact that the gold fillings do look very snazzy. The reality is that most patients come in for a regularly scheduled checkup and we find that there are sufficient wear and tear. Thus, the tooth requires a filling to keep the tooth viable. Occasionally, although rare these days, will we get a patient who is young or lucky with great teeth and has no idea what a filling is or why it is necessary.

Dental Check-ups and Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a material that replaces damaged tooth enamel or a tooth that has a cavity. At other times, we will find what is known as a soft spot, where the enamel has almost given way to a cavity but not quite. We prefer to fill these as well since it is only a matter of time before the decay breaks through.

Considering that a dental filling usually starts with an examination, we cannot stress enough the importance of coming in for regular checkups. The best rule of thumb is to try and make an appointment at least twice a year, which allows us to find things like soft spots or identify areas that have excessive plaque buildup. Regular appointments allows Oak Tree Dental to help prevent these issues from damaging patient's teeth.

Taking care of a dental filling

The first thing we do with a filling is to numb the area around the tooth so that the patient does not feel any discomfort. We mainly use an application of local anesthetic directly into the gums to numb the mouth. Once the patient's mouth is numb, he or she will not feel any discomfort besides a little pressure as we work on the teeth.

In order to make sure that we get rid of all the decay and that the decay has no chance of spreading or coming back, we will shave off all the portions of the tooth that have decay. While the dentist is removing this bad enamel, we will also take the opportunity to shape where the cavity had been so that it is a good shape for a filling. This will allow the filling itself to be more secure.

From this point on, the tooth is ready to receive the filling. We will make any specific preparations to the patient's needs before placing the filling. A bonded filling, for example, we need to etch the tooth whereas some fillings require resin. If a resin is used, we apply it and then use the cool blue light to harden and strengthen it.

Recent Posts

Three Questions To Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

White dental fillings are a lot more popular than traditional silver amalgam fillings nowadays. Also known as composite fillings, the materials used are made from mixing plastic and glass resins. They can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth, so any repairs look natural in their mouth.That leads to significantly improved aesthetics over conventional amalgam fillings,…

What Happens During A Dental Filling Procedure?

There is no need to panic if you have just found out you have a cavity; the most common treatment approach is to undergo a dental filling procedure. Dental fillings materials can be made from resin, ionomers, gold, amalgam, or ceramics and are used to replace decaying tooth material during the filling process.Although it may…

We Can Repair Damaged Teeth

Don't live with a damaged tooth. Call us to see if composite fillings are the best choice for you.Composite fillings are tooth-colored to provide a natural appearance and still remain as effective as other fillings. We use composite fillings to restore teeth and perfect our patient's smiles.Composite FillingsAt Oak Tree Dental in McLean, we work…

Routine Dental Care Is Essential For Healthy Teeth

Infection doesn't take a break on the weekend and neither should you. Keep up routine dental care 24/7Routine dental care is important for a healthy set of teeth. While we can provide routine dental care during appointments, you need to keep it up at home through brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.Routine…


Oak Tree Dental

Share
Published by
Oak Tree Dental

Recent Posts

What Materials Are Used in Zirconia Crowns?

This article discusses how zirconia is used to make dental crowns and the benefits of…

2 weeks ago

Three Questions to Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

Fixing dental issues with tooth-colored dental fillings is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed…

1 month ago

Why You Should Consider Invisalign for Teens

If your child needs braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign® for teens instead.

2 months ago

Cosmetic Dental Services to Create a Positive Change

Many patients have one or more issues that negatively impact their teeth. Our dentist can…

4 months ago

Is There a Recovery Period After Getting Dental Crowns?

Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure.

5 months ago

Ask a General Dentist: What Habits Can Improve Oral Health?

Perhaps the most well-known tip a general dentist has to offer is to brush at…

6 months ago