Tooth decay affects people of all ages. The disease can leave you with toothaches, cavities, and gum disease. The possibility of additional decay or more serious oral health problems still exists, even if you have never experienced any pain.
If you have tooth decay, it’s vital to make an appointment with your dentist right away so they can find the best solution for your needs. Dental cavities are a serious dental health issue that can lead to tooth loss if not treated and managed correctly.
At Smiles in Currambine, if we find that you have tooth decay, we may recommend that you have a filling. Dental fillings, also called cavity fillings and tooth fillings, are artificial substances made of metals, plastics, glass, or a combination of these materials. They are used to repair or restore damaged teeth. One of the most common applications for fillings is to “fill” a cavity in a tooth that your dentist has removed due to decay. In addition to repairing cracked or broken teeth, fillings are also used to restore worn-down teeth.
You will enjoy numerous benefits from having your teeth filled professionally at Smiles in Currambine. A dental filling is a perfect way to restore a lost tooth structure’s good health condition and function. They fill cavities and prevent them from growing. Fillings also help strengthen fractured areas in your mouth by adding more metal to where the problem has occurred, which protects the area from further decay and infection, too. Additionally, tooth-coloured fillings improve the colour of your teeth and give you a more attractive smile.
At Smiles in Currambine, we excel in providing high-quality dental fillings crafted from porcelain or composite materials. Our tooth-coloured fillings flawlessly blend with your teeth, ensuring a natural appearance, without any traces of mercury.
With a commitment to preserving your natural teeth, we employ minimally invasive techniques for our fillings. This means less trimming of your tooth structure, ensuring optimal oral health and a comfortable experience compared to alternatives like dental crowns.
For larger decayed areas that exceed filling suitability, we offer custom inlays and onlays meticulously created by our local laboratory. This bespoke approach guarantees a perfect fit, empowering you with exceptional and lasting dental solutions. Trust our friendly and professional team for all your dental care needs, delivering affordability and utmost care throughout every step of your treatment journey.
You may need a filling if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Recurring dental pain or toothaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Holes in the teeth
- Rough or sharp edges on the teeth
- Tooth discolouration
- Food particles stuck in a specific area
Not at all. Dental filling procedures are quick and painless. Modern dentistry employs various techniques to make dental treatments more pleasant for both the patient and the dentist, including local anaesthesia and numbing gel, which numb areas around the teeth before the dentist begins working on them, resulting in entirely painless treatment.
Dental fillings are a common dental procedure that usually only requires one visit to the dental clinic, lasting 15 to 60 minutes. It involves the following steps:
1. We will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the surrounding area. In addition, we may apply a numbing gel to the gums before the injection to minimise discomfort. If the tooth only has decay on its surface, we may not need an anaesthetic. It is possible to drill a small hole around the damaged natural tooth enamel without causing any pain.
2. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the decayed portions of the tooth will be removed with a drill, laser, or air abrading instrument. We will then make sure that the hole in the decayed tooth is the right size and shape.
3. Next, we will prepare the tooth by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and food particles to ensure that everything is clean and sterile before we place the filling.
Next, we will carefully fill the prepared cavity with a dental filling. The dental fillings are then bonded to the tooth.
4. After the filling has been placed and the material has hardened, it will be shaped and polished to match your original tooth colour as closely as possible.
Some problems you may encounter when having dental fillings include:
1. Deterioration of Fillings: Under the constant pressure of biting, grinding, or clenching, dental fillings can wear away, chip, or break. You may not notice that your filling is deteriorating, but your dentist can detect flaws in fillings during a regular check-up.
2. Pulpitis: Before filling a cavity, your dentist uses a heated drill during the decay removal process. Pulpitis occurs when the pulp, the connective tissue that forms the centre of your teeth, becomes inflamed. If your dentist does not remove all of the decayed tissue, the pulp of the damaged tooth may become infected. Your gums may swell, or there may be a pus pocket near the tooth if this happens.
3. Amalgam Allergy: Allergies to metals may result in sensitivity after a silver amalgam filling. You may also experience itching or a rash. Consult your dentist if you suspect an allergic reaction. A different restorative material can be used to replace the original filling.
To keep your dental fillings in good shape, practice good dental hygiene, including seeing your dentist for cleanings regularly, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day. If your dentist suspects a filling is broken, X-rays will be taken to analyse the condition. Call your dentist for an appointment if your tooth is excessively sensitive, if you notice a sharp edge or a crack in the filling, or if part of the filling is missing.
In most cases, tooth sensitivity after dental fillings is normal. It will disappear on its own after a few days to a few weeks, depending on what caused the sensitivity. Dental filling procedures involve filling holes in your teeth with substances such as amalgam or composite. Even though this is a simple, routine procedure, it can leave people with sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by other factors, such as pulpitis, allergic reactions, or changes in the bite. If you experience extreme pain or discomfort accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, redness, or swelling, you should call your dentist right away.
Here are some ways to help reduce sensitivity:
- Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
- Avoid consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Brush and floss gently and use desensitising toothpaste.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Dental fillings are among the most affordable dental procedures. In general, simple fillings cost $150 to $200, and more complex fillings may cost up to $400.
If decay damages the enamel of a tooth, the damage is irreversible. In the absence of treatment, the decay can spread and get worse, causing damage to the healthy parts of the tooth. If the tooth has been neglected for too long, a conventional filling can not fix it. The bacteria will irritate and infect the pulp if the decay reaches the pulp chamber where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This will require root canal therapy. If decay is left unchecked for too long, the tooth may be destroyed. A root canal won’t be able to save the tooth in this situation. The decayed tooth might need to be extracted and replaced with either an implant or a bridge.
If you suspect cavities or require dental fillings, don’t hesitate to seek professional care. Book your dental fillings appointment now to restore your teeth and maintain a healthy, radiant smile.
Copyright Ⓒ 2024 Smiles In Currambine
Web Design & Digital Marketing by Skyward Digital