Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed to treat teeth damaged by decay. This process restores the tooth’s structure and function, allowing it to withstand the forces of chewing and maintain the integrity of your bite. Understanding the steps involved can help alleviate any apprehension about the appointment.
Preparation and Numbing
The first step involves ensuring the area is comfortable before any work begins. A topical numbing gel is often applied to the gum tissue, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic. This causes a brief pinch and pressure as the solution is injected, blocking nerve signals and leading to numbness in the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Once the area is numb, the dentist isolates the tooth to keep it dry and clean during the procedure. This is achieved using a rubber dam or cotton rolls and a suction device. Maintaining a dry field is important because moisture can interfere with the bonding process of certain filling materials, ensuring the filling adheres properly.
Removing the Decayed Material
With the tooth fully anesthetized, the process of removing the decay begins using a high-speed dental handpiece, commonly referred to as the drill. While the numbing agent prevents sharp pain, you will experience vibration and a loud, high-pitched noise. Water spray is constantly used to keep the area cool and prevent heat damage as the dentist removes the softened dentin and enamel until only healthy tooth structure remains.
The procedure is meticulous, often involving smaller instruments and slow-speed drills to carefully clean the margins of the cavity. This precise cleaning creates a microscopically textured surface necessary for the restorative material to bond effectively. The goal is to create a specific shape, known as the cavity preparation, which securely holds the filling material. You might feel some pressure throughout this process, but it should not translate into pain.
Placing and Curing the Filling
After the decay is removed, the prepared cavity is ready to receive the restorative material. For composite fillings, the tooth surface is first treated with a bonding agent to create a strong seal. The composite material is then placed into the cavity in small layers, which are carefully sculpted and hardened, or cured, using a specialized high-intensity blue light.
This curing light quickly solidifies the composite resin, allowing the material to achieve its maximum strength almost instantly. If an amalgam (silver) filling is used, the material is packed into the space and allowed to set chemically over time. Once the material is placed and hardened, the dentist adjusts the shape to ensure the filling conforms to the natural contours of the tooth. The final step involves checking your bite using a thin colored film and polishing the filling surface.
Immediate Aftercare and Sensitivities
Once the procedure is complete, the local anesthetic effects will last for a few hours, usually between two to five hours. It is important to avoid chewing or consuming hot liquids until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidentally biting your tongue or cheek. You may notice some immediate mild soreness or irritation around the injection site.
The most common side effect following a new filling is temporary sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli. This sensation occurs because the preparation is closer to the nerve and usually diminishes within a few days to a couple of weeks as the nerve tissue recovers. If the sensitivity is sharp and persistent, or if you feel pain when biting down, the filling may need a slight adjustment. Contact the dental office immediately if you experience severe throbbing pain, if the filling feels loose, or if a piece of the restoration breaks off.