Dental Filling Dental fillings are used following a cavity drilling to protect the tooth, restore function, and, in some cases, preserve the natural look of the tooth. Preserving the look depends on the specific filling type used, as not all of them will blend well with your tooth. At New Life Dental, we have several different filling options. We will explain the procedure in detail during your consultation and help you decide on the best material to use. Factors in this decision include the intended function of the tooth and aesthetic appeal.Available Filling MaterialsAvailable filling materials include amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, resin ionomer, porcelain, metal alloy, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. These each have pros and cons over one another, and we will explain these during your consultation. Amalgam fillings are a silver color that will stand out against your tooth. These are highly durable. Composite resin is a material used in many dental procedures, not just fillings. This is a tooth-colored material that is also strong. Glass ionomer is another aesthetic option, but it wears down easily and is fragile compared to other options. Resin ionomer is more translucent than glass, but it is tooth-colored. It is not good for biting surfaces, though. Porcelain is another aesthetic option, but it is not as strong compared to metal. Metal alloys are the strongest options, but they do not look like a natural tooth color. Porcelain-fused-to-metal is a combination of porcelain and metal, with metal as the main filling and porcelain as the shell. These are stronger than porcelain but require more natural tooth removal. Filling ProcedureYou will receive local anesthesia in order to numb the area around your tooth. Once you are numb, we will drill the decayed material from your tooth. After all of the material has been removed, we will apply an acidic gel to the area, which cleanses the newly formed cavity of any bacteria. Once we have completed all of the preparation, we can fill the cavity with your selected material. Certain materials, such as silver amalgam, will harden on their own. That said, it can take several weeks for it to fully harden, so you will need to be careful with it until then. Other materials, such as composite resin, can be "cured" or hardened using a special light. The material hardens immediately upon contact with the light. Filling Recovery and MaintenanceRecovery from fillings does not take more than a few hours. The anesthesia will wear off and though you may have slight tenderness, you will likely be able to return to normal activity. However, we generally recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods for several days or weeks following the procedure, depending on the specific filling material used. You may also notice some sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks for a short time following your procedure. If your filling ever chips, you should let us know immediately. Call New Life Dental at (227) 258-3188 for more information on fillings. |
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