How Do You Prepare to Get a Tooth Filling?
Dental fillings are gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or resin materials used to restore or repair teeth. You may need a tooth filling in San Clemente after tooth decay or trauma affecting the tooth’s structure. The procedure is fast, pain-free, and straightforward. Continue reading to learn how you can prepare for a tooth filling.
How Do I Know if I Need Tooth Filling?
Only a dental professional can determine if you need a filling. They will do this after a comprehensive exam and evaluation. However, some signs indicate you may need the treatment. For example, you may:
- Feel a hole in your tooth caused by decay
- See dark spots on your teeth as a result of cavities
- Feel sharp, throbbing pain in a particular tooth when you chew or bite down
- Experience tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, acidic, sweet, or sticky foods and drinks.
- Notice flossing string tears every time you are flossing your teeth.
- Have an old, cracked, broken, or missing filling from a previous restoration
- Have dental trauma that leads to a chipped or fractured tooth
- Notice that some food gets stuck between particular teeth
Which Teeth Filling Is Best?
There are different types of fillings. They include tooth-colored fillings such as porcelain, resin, and silver amalgam fillings. Unfortunately, no single type of filling can be the best for everyone. This is because people have different preferences and teeth conditions.
For instance, the dentist will use different fillings to restore the front and back teeth. They will choose a strong one that can withstand chewing pressure for your molars and premolars. This is because they have the expertise and experience to pick a suitable tooth filling. So, if you want to choose the best filling type, talk to your dentist.
Tips to Prepare for a Dental Filling Procedure
Preparing adequately for treatment helps it to proceed without hitches and be successful. Below are ways to help you prepare for a dental filling near you.
- Schedule your appointment once the dentist determines that you need a tooth filling.
- Ask the right questions. Learn as much as possible about the procedure, recovery, and post-op care. Also, learn how to care for the filling in the long run so that it lasts long.
- Give your dentist all the information about your medical. Answer their questions honestly.
- Consult your dentist about different types of fillings and then choose the best kind of filling for you.
- Taking hard or chewy foods will aggravate your filings. So, buy soft foods for a few days after your treatment.
- Take your usual medications until the time for your filling appointment without worries. This is because the process is non-invasive. However, if you need dental sedation, let the dentist confirm if you can continue taking the medication.
- Arrange for time off work for the tooth-filling session.
- Eat and drink as usual, even on the day of your appointment.
- Brush and floss like you normally do.
- Confirm the overall cost of the procedure and double-check your dental insurance coverage.
- If you are anxious about the procedure, do not take alcohol or other things that help you relax. Instead, let the dentist know so they can administer a suitable sedative.
Is Dental Filling Painful?
No, getting dental fillings is not painful. The dentist will use anesthesia to numb the tooth to be treated and the surrounding area. The effects of the anesthetic will prevent any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. However, once they fade off, you may feel mild pain for a short while. Your dentist will prescribe medications to ease the pain.
Can I Brush My Teeth After Getting a Filling?
Yes, you can brush after getting a tooth filling. You can brush right away if you have composite or porcelain fillings. The dentist will harden those using special tools to avoid damage or dislodging. However, you should wait a few hours if you have amalgam fillings. They do not set immediately and can become damaged or dislodged.
Dental fillings restore and repair your teeth, easing symptoms of decay and improving your smile. Schedule an appointment at Seascape Dentistry- San Clemente for a dental filling procedure.