Dental Filling Treatment: Step by Step Process
Dental fillings restore lost tooth structure following cavity removal or another restorative treatment. The treatment can often be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Dr. Jay W. Chrisman and Dr. David D. Wyse provide tooth-colored fillings at their Bloomington, IL, practice. If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, this overview provides a step-by-step overview of how dental fillings are placed.
A Step-By-Step Look at Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most commonly performed restorative treatment options. The average adult American has three fillings. While many dental offices offer metal fillings, we offer biocompatible tooth-colored fillings that blend in with your natural teeth.
Cleaning the Tooth
Following the removal of decay at our Bloomington dental practice, the surface of your tooth will be thoroughly cleaned. Once the surface is ready, an acidic etching compound will be placed to prep the surface of the tooth. This compound opens up natural pores in the enamel so the composite resin can attain a better bond to the surface of your tooth.
Preparation of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings have the consistency of putty before they are hardened. Your dentist has multiple shade options of the synthetic resin to choose from. Each variant has chemical coloring agents that allow your doctor to shade-match the resin to the exact color of the natural tooth.
Placement of Dental Fillings
Once the fillings have been shade-matched to blend with your teeth, your doctor will artfully mold the material over the tooth to completely fill in the missing tooth structure. Once the fillings are set, a special blue light will quickly harden the material.
Once the material hardens, your doctor will ensure that the fillings do not impede or obstruct your bite. If you can tell that the material is altering your bite, minor adjustments can be made.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare. Because fillings are placed following the loss of natural tooth structure, some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity. Temperature sensitivity will become less and less noticeable in the days and weeks following your restorative treatment.
One way to avoid unwanted sensitivity is to stay away from hot or cold food or drinks until for a few days following your treatment.
Maintenance
Maintaining your dental fillings is easy. Simply brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Preventing plaque and tartar buildup can help your fillings last for a few years to several years. Biting hard objects can damage or dislodge your fillings.
During your regular visits to our Bloomington office for cleanings and exams, one of our doctors will examine your fillings to ensure that they are still in good shape and strongly bonded to your teeth. If you notice any change in the texture of your fillings, contact our office soon. A loose filling places your tooth at a higher risk of tooth decay.
Schedule Your Dental Filling Treatment Today
Dental fillings are an affordable and effective treatment that can restore oral health following cavity treatment or the loss of tooth structure. To schedule your dental fillings treatment, contact our office online or call (309) 663-6393.
