What happens during a filling? Have you ever had a cavity and wondered? You’re not the only one. A dental treatment, in general, particularly the first time, makes a lot of people anxious. However, a filling is just the easiest and safest way to restore a tooth. If it is a dentist in North Edmonton that you trust, then they will be with you each step of the way and ensure that you are at ease.
Fixing a tooth that has been compromised by decay (cavities) is the main purpose of fillings. They not only prevent the decay from spreading but also turn your damaged tooth into a strong one. The initiation of a filling is very crucial—it gives the whole process its base.
Step One: Checking the Tooth
Before anything else, your dentist will check your teeth carefully. They’ll look for signs of decay, damage, or pain. Sometimes, they’ll take an X-ray to see how deep the cavity is. This helps them decide the best way to fix your tooth.
If you’re visiting a dental clinic, they’ll explain everything clearly so you know what’s happening and why.
Step Two: Numbing the Area
Once your dentist has determined the tooth that requires a filling, they will first inject the anaesthetic around the tooth. This means that you will not be able to feel any pain during the process. A small injection is used to numb the tooth as well as the nearby gums. It could pinch for a moment, after which your mouth will be numb. This step is when you give your consent to the dentist so he can work with you without any discomfort.
Step Three: Removing the Decay
Now it’s time to clean the tooth. A dentist will remove the damaged portion of the tooth with the help of special tools. This might scare you in some ways, but you will not feel it at all because of the numbing. The dentist will definitely be very cautious in separating the decayed part from the rest of the healthy one.
In case you need to locate dental fillings near you in North Edmonton, you will want the dentist to be using comfortable techniques and contemporary instruments for the easy treatment.
Step Four: Cleaning and Preparing the Tooth
After the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth, he/she continues with cleaning the area to make sure that no bacteria exist, and hence, no future problems can come up. Then, they prepare the space for the filling by shaping it so the material fits perfectly.
It is the point in the process where a good fit basically means the filling will last longer and will give a feeling of being a natural part of the tooth when you bite or chew.
Step Five: Placing the Filling
Now comes the actual filling. The dentist picks the filling material to be silver, white (composite), or another type that is suitable for your needs. They shape it to match your tooth and make sure it feels right.
In the case of white fillings, a special light is utilized for quickly hardening the material. The dentist, after setting the filling, makes the necessary adjustments so the surface is smooth and your bite is checked.
Step Six: Final Check and Advice
Before your departure, the dentist will perform his/her final check of the work. A filling is checked by a dentist to ascertain that it is safe, neat, and comfortable for the patient. Also, the dentist will offer you advice on how to manage your tooth, like:
- Keep away from hard food for a few hours.
- Brush and use dental floss in a gentle way.
- Come for a regular checkup.
In case of pain or sensitivity after the filling, let the dentist know. It is a condition that is mostly solved within a day or two, in which case the pain or sensitivity disappears.
Fillings Keep Your Smile Strong
Filling a tooth might first scare you, but it is a simple process that keeps your teeth and your smile safe. The very first stage—checking and preparing the tooth—is the most important to ensure that the rest of the treatment will be successful.
At The Dentists at Northgate, we are committed to making every step of the process easy and hassle-free. Whether it’s a small filling or a complete checkup, it doesn’t matter; the team is always available to offer you the best. Are you searching for a reliable dentist? Make a booking at a dental clinic near you and allow us to take care of your smile with our gentle and professional service.
