A filling helps to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal functions and shape, and helps prevent further decay by eliminating areas where bacteria can enter the tooth. The filling material used is called composite.
Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and results in a smaller filling. Composites can also be bonded or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.
Not at all. Dr.Licato will completely numb your mouth so that you won’t feel any discomfort.
First, your dentist will clean your teeth. Then, they will use numbing cream and a needle to numb the treatment site. Once your mouth is numb, they will drill away any damaged or decayed enamel. Then, they will apply the filling material directly to your cavity, shaping and sculpting it to restore the shape and appearance of your tooth.
Finally, Dr.Licato will check your bite with a special type of paper, and make any necessary adjustments. Then, you’ll be sent home. The entire process for a single dental filling usually takes between 30-60 minutes.
Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days after your filling. But if this sensitivity persists, your filling may be too high. A”high filling” just means the filling is sticking out a bit higher than it’s supposed to. When this happens, more pressure is put on your teeth, since they’re not meeting properly.
The good news is that this is an easy fix. Your dentist can simply file the filling down a little bit to make sure it fits into your mouth properly.
Frank P. Licato, Jr. DMD Family Dentistry
South Plainfield