Filling Overview

A filling fixes and restores the surface of a tooth that has been damaged by rot, break, or wear. A dental filling fortifies the tooth. If tooth rot isn’t fixed at its beginning phases, it will compound and extra or elective dental treatments might be necessary.

With adequate care and scheduled oral cleanliness, a filling has a life expectancy of 5-12 years, contingent on the kind of filling material utilized.

Warning Signs

Tooth sensitivity is the most common early warning sign of enamel loss due to tooth decay. While there could be a number of reasons for this sensation, only your Dentist can diagnose its underlying cause. If a damaged tooth surface is not treated on time, your discomfort will increase.

When Prescribed

A filling prescription is made when:

  • The surface enamel of a tooth is damaged due to decay, fracture, or wear.
  • A tooth’s surface needs to be evened out to improve your ability to bite or chew.

Patient Experience

After a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure, your Dentist will discuss treatment alternatives with you and answer your questions. If the agreed-upon treatment is a dental filling, your Dentist will:

Apply a local anesthetic to the affected area of your mouth

This is all about using a hand-held instrument to prepare your tooth by eliminating the affected tooth surface.

Cleanse the prepared tooth to remove debris and bacteria

Separate the tooth using a small, protective sheet called a “dental dam” to keep it clean and saliva free during the process.

Select the dental filling material based on the placement of the tooth, the location of the damaged area of the tooth, and the extent of its surface damage

Apply adhesives and filling material to the prepared area and shape it to match the look and feel of a natural tooth

Expose a special hand-held light to the filling material to harden the repaired surface of your tooth    

To learn more about fillings, contact Bello dental today, our representative will be glad to respond to your questions.