Receiving Your Dental Filling at Petrie Advanced Dental
A healthy smile contributes to overall well-being and enhances confidence and self-esteem. Dental fillings play a crucial role in restoring the functionality and aesthetics of damaged teeth, enabling you to enjoy a pain-free and beautiful smile. Whether you’re dealing with small cavities (dental caries) or need restoration for areas affected by tooth decay, modern dental fillings provide effective solutions for maintaining optimal oral health and preserving your natural teeth.
To learn more about our comprehensive dental filling procedures, contact our Tacoma, WA, skilled dentist by calling (253) 761-5422 to schedule your personalized consultation.
The Dental Filling Process at Our Tacoma Dental Office
The dental filling procedure varies depending on your specific needs and the type of filling material selected, such as composite fillings, amalgam fillings, or porcelain fillings.
Initial Examination and Diagnosis
Our experienced Tacoma dentist begins with a thorough examination of your tooth and takes detailed X-rays to assess the extent of decay. These X-rays provide a comprehensive view of your teeth and can reveal cavities between teeth or beneath the enamel surface. Advanced digital imaging techniques like intraoral cameras may also be used to capture detailed images of the affected tooth.
Dr. Arvind Petrie will discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as tooth sensitivity to hot or cold or pain when chewing. Based on these findings, our dentist will determine if a dental filling is necessary or if alternative treatments might better address your dental concerns.
Preparing for Your Dental Filling
Administering Local Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort throughout the cavity filling process, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This eliminates pain during the procedure, though you may still feel slight pressure as work progresses.
In most cases, a rubber dam or cotton rolls will be used to isolate the tooth being treated. This keeps the tooth dry and prevents contamination from saliva, which helps ensure a stronger bond between your natural tooth and the filling material.
Removing Decay and Preparing the Tooth
Using specialized precision instruments, Dr. Petrie carefully removes the decayed portion of your tooth. The area is then thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any bacteria or food particles that could lead to further decay.
After removing all decay, the tooth is shaped and prepared to create an optimal surface for the filling material to adhere to. This may involve applying an acid gel to etch the tooth, improving the bonding process between your natural tooth structure and the new filling.
Placement of Your Dental Filling
Once your tooth is properly prepared, the chosen filling material is carefully applied:
- Composite Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings are applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special bonding light. These aesthetically pleasing fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth and visible areas.
- Amalgam Fillings: These silver fillings consist of a mixture of metals including silver, tin, and mercury. Though less commonly used now, they remain durable options, particularly for molars and areas with significant chewing pressure.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: These fillings release fluoride, helping to prevent future cavities, and are often used near the gum line or for patients at higher risk of decay.
- Porcelain and Ceramic Fillings: These custom-made fillings offer excellent durability and an appearance that closely matches your natural teeth. They resist staining better than composite materials.
- Gold Fillings: While less common due to cost, gold fillings offer exceptional durability and are well-tolerated by gum tissues.
The dentist sculpts and shapes the filling material to match the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring proper functionality for chewing and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Finalizing Your Dental Filling
After the filling material has hardened, Dr. Petrie checks your bite and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment with your other teeth. The filling is then polished, providing a smooth surface that feels natural in your mouth and reduces the likelihood of trapping food particles.
Aftercare for Your New Dental Filling
After your dental filling procedure, you must comply with these filling aftercare instructions to ensure a successful recovery and extend the life of your fillings.
- Initial Sensitivity: Expect some temperature sensitivity post-procedure, which typically eases within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth can offer relief.
- Resuming Activities: Normal activities can usually be resumed immediately, but avoid hard or sticky foods for 24-48 hours, especially on the side with the new filling.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain oral health by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Keeping the filled tooth and surrounding area clean helps prevent further decay and extends the filling’s lifespan.
- Regular Checkups: Schedule regular dental visits to monitor your fillings and address any potential issues early, preventing the need for more extensive treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dental filling process painful?
During the dental filling procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. This ensures you don’t experience pain during the procedure. Some patients may feel slight pressure or minimal sensitivity during the removal of decayed material, but the process is designed to be comfortable.
How long does a dental filling procedure typically take?
A single dental filling appointment is usually completed in 30-60 minutes. The duration varies depending on the size and location of the cavity. More extensive decay may require additional time for preparation and placement of the filling material.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of dental fillings depends on the material used and your oral care habits:
- Gold and porcelain fillings can last 15+ years with proper care
- Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years
- Amalgam fillings often last 10-15 years
Can a dental filling fall out or become loose?
While dental fillings are designed to be durable, there’s a possibility of a filling becoming loose or dislodging over time. This can occur due to factors such as new decay developing around the filling, damage to the filling material, or normal wear and tear. If you notice a filling becoming loose or falling out, contact your dentist promptly to prevent further damage to the tooth.
Schedule Your Dental Filling Appointment Today!
The dental filling procedure is essential for restoring damaged teeth and promoting long-term oral health. With various tooth filling options available, our skilled dentist can precisely place durable and aesthetically pleasing materials tailored to your specific needs. By prioritizing regular dental check-ups and addressing cavities promptly, you can maintain a healthy smile and prevent further complications.
Contact our Tacoma dentist today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your dental filling consultation in Tacoma. We proudly serve patients throughout Pierce County, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
