Do you have a tooth that hurts when you eat candy? Or maybe you see a small hole in your tooth? You might need a dental filling. Don’t worry! Getting a dental fillings in New Port Richey is a normal thing that happens to many people. Let’s learn about what dental fillings are and how to take care of them.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a special material used by a dentist to fill holes in your teeth. Generally the holes in teeth are known as cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that make acids that can make tiny holes in your teeth. A filling replaces these holes and makes the tooth strong again.
Finding the Right Dentist Near You
If you need to have a dental filling, make sure you find a good dentist near you. Use these ideas to find one:
- Ask your family and friends who they see.
- Look for dentists who are gentle with kids.
- Look for dentists who use simple words to explain things.
- Make sure they are near your house or school.
Step-by-Step Dental Filling Procedure
Getting a dental filling might sound scary, but it’s really not bad at all! Here’s what happens when you visit the dentist:
Step 1: Getting Ready
The dentist will look at your tooth with a small mirror. They may take an X-ray picture to see the cavity; this does not hurt at all!
Step 2: Making Your Tooth Numb
Then the dentist puts some gel on your gum to make you feel sleepy. Then you will get a very tiny needle to give you a small shot of medicine, which is called a local anesthetic. This ensures that you’ll feel no pain throughout your procedure.
Step 3: Getting the Cavity Cleaned Out
The dentist will use their drill or instrument to remove the bad part of your tooth. This is called removing decay. It may be noisy; certain sounds are just sounds—you won’t feel anything.
Step 4: Preparing the Tooth
Once the dentist has cleaned the hole out completely, they will check that there is nothing bad left. In certain situations, they will place a special liner inside for protection.
Step 5: Filling the Tooth
The dentist fills in the clean hole with filling material. The following are examples of different types of fillings.
| Type of Filling | What It Looks Like | How Long Does It Last |
| Composite (White) | Matches your tooth color | 5-7 years |
| Silver Amalgam | Silver color | 10-15 years |
| Gold | Gold color | 15-20 years |
| Ceramic | White like your tooth | 10-15 years |
Step 6: Shaping and Polishing
The dentist will shape your filling so you experience comfort when you bite with it. The dentist will polish the filling so it is smooth to the tongue and works well with biting against your other teeth.
Dental Filling Aftercare Tips
Maintenance after a filling is important because it helps the filling last longer and keeps your teeth healthy. Here are some useful dental filling aftercare tips, New Port Richey
- Wait to eat until numbness wears off – Eating while still numb can cause you to bite your tongue or cheek.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods for 24 hours – Will break or loosen the filling.
- Brush and floss gently – Keep your teeth clean, but do not scrub too close to the new filling.
- Sensitivity Watch – It will feel slightly sore to hot, cold, or pressure for a couple of days. If it lasts longer than a week, call your dentist.
- Use fluoride toothpaste – Since it helps to prevent new cavity development.
- See your dentist on a regular basis – An appointment every six months will be enough to ensure that the filling is in good condition.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
The lifetime of a filling is determined depending on the material used and the way the teeth are cared for. Good oral hygiene and ultimately, regular dental visits will help fillings last longer.
Regular Check-ups Are Important
Even after you get your filling, you must keep visiting the dentist. A dental professional will check to see your filling condition and look for any potential issues. By going twice per year, dental professionals will spot small problems before they become bigger problems.
Remember, getting a dental filling is a very common part of taking care of your teeth. Many people have fillings to help keep their smiles healthy and strong. If you take care of your teeth and follow your dental provider’s instructions, your fillings can last for a long time.
When to See a Dentist Near You
Occasionally, a filling may become loose, break, or fall out. You should contact a dentist near you immediately if you experience:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity.
- Sharp edge on the tooth.
- Food is getting caught around the filling.
- Visibly cracked or broken filling.
Seeking treatment quickly could help you to avoid larger problems like root canal therapy or tooth loss.
Protect Your Tooth With a Dental Filling!
Radiant Dentistry of New Port Richey provides quality dental care to help repair and protect damaged teeth. Our team of dentist near you uses safe and effective dental fillings to restore strength and prevent further decay. We focus on patient comfort and long-lasting results for every treatment.
Schedule your appointment at Radiant Dentistry of New Port Richey today. Let us help you keep your smile strong and healthy!
FAQ
Does it hurt to get a filling?
No. The dentist will numb your teeth so you do not feel any pain or any discomfort when they fill it. You might feel some pressure, but there shouldn’t be any pain.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
Yes, after the numbness wears off. It is recommended to start with soft foods before returning to your regular diet.
Will anyone see my filling?
If you get a white filling, it is made to match your tooth color. Most people would not be able to identify it!
