Dental cavities, or tooth decay, are damaged areas on the hard surface of teeth, forming small openings or holes. These holes form when acids produced by bacteria in your mouth erode the tooth’s protective outer layer, the enamel. Treating cavities promptly prevents further damage, manages pain, and avoids more serious issues like infection or tooth loss. A dental filling is a common procedure to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
The Cavity Filling Process
The cavity filling process begins with a thorough dental examination, often including X-rays to detect decay. Once identified, local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort. This may involve a numbing gel on the gums, followed by an injection to desensitize the tooth and surrounding area.
Once numb, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth. This is typically accomplished using a dental drill, though lasers or air abrasion instruments can also be employed. The goal is to precisely remove all softened, infected tooth material while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
After decay removal, the cavity is cleaned and shaped for the filling material. This preparation creates a stable foundation for the chosen restorative material to bond securely to the tooth. Depending on the type of filling, a bonding agent may be applied to help the material adhere.
The selected filling material is placed into the prepared space. For certain materials, such as composite resin, the material is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light. This layering and curing process helps ensure a strong, uniform restoration.
Finally, the dentist shapes and polishes the filling to match the tooth’s natural contours and align with your bite. This step is important for comfort and proper chewing function, preventing any high spots that could cause discomfort or uneven pressure.
Types of Dental Fillings
Several materials are available for dental fillings, each with distinct properties.
Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver fillings,” are a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. These fillings are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, often lasting for many years, and are frequently used for molars due to their strength in chewing surfaces.
Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, made from a blend of plastic resin and fine glass particles. They offer a more aesthetic option as they can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them less noticeable. These fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which can help support the remaining tooth.
Porcelain or ceramic fillings, often custom-made as inlays or onlays in a dental laboratory, provide superior aesthetics and durability. These restorations are highly resistant to staining and can mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel, though they typically involve a higher cost and may require more than one dental visit.
Glass ionomer fillings are also tooth-colored and are made from powdered glass that chemically bonds to the tooth. A specific advantage of glass ionomers is their ability to release fluoride over time, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. They are often used in areas not subject to heavy chewing forces, such as near the gum line, or for fillings in children.
After Your Filling: Care and Expectations
Following a cavity filling, it is normal to experience some numbness from the local anesthesia, which can last for a few hours. During this period, it is advisable to avoid chewing or consuming hot foods and drinks to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip. The numbness should gradually subside as the anesthetic wears off.
You might also notice temporary sensitivity in the treated tooth to hot, cold, or pressure. This sensitivity usually diminishes within a few days to a week, though it can sometimes persist for longer. If the sensitivity is severe or does not improve, contacting your dentist is recommended.
Wait until numbness fully wears off before eating solid foods. For amalgam fillings, dentists might suggest waiting at least 24 hours before chewing on the filled tooth to allow the material to fully set. With composite fillings, you can typically eat soon after the procedure, once the numbness has passed.
For any mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain. Maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, is important to preserve your new filling and prevent new cavities from forming.
You should contact your dentist if you experience severe or persistent pain, swelling around the filled tooth, a feeling that your bite feels uneven or “off,” or if the filling feels loose or falls out. These signs could indicate a problem that requires professional attention to ensure the long-term health of your tooth.