Tooth decay is more common than some patients believe. There are many reasons a tooth can become damaged, including lack of proper care, infections, and trauma. This particular dental issue is prevalent among patients with poor hygiene and consume a diet heavy in sugar. These habits can cause cavities, which then lead to decay. Thankfully, visiting a dentist and taking care of infections with time can save your natural smile.
When a dentist examines your teeth and finds a cavity or a crack, they may recommend dental fillings as a solution. Fillings are typically made of composite, amalgam, or glass ionomer. They will safely seal the space and prevent future complications.
What Are the Steps of Fillings?
Your downtown Calgary dentist will begin by applying a local anesthetic to ensure you are fully comfortable during the procedure. Next, they will use a dental instrument to remove the decayed area inside of or around the tooth. Your dentist’s choice to remove the decay will depend on their preference. Once the infection has been fully removed, they will prepare the space for the dental filling.
They will then further clean the cavity and ensure all bacteria have been removed. Depending on the extent of the decay, your dentist may add a liner near the root to cover the nerve before applying a filling. The dental filling your dentist chooses will depend on their recommendation and the patient’s preference. Once the tooth has been filled, your dentist will polish and finalize the procedure.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before getting dental fillings in downtown Calgary, you should know a few facts.
1. Some people may be allergic to certain fillings.
Some materials in fillings, such as amalgam, include mercury and nickel. It also includes other ingredients such as chromium and beryllium. These may cause potential side effects in some patients and lead to allergic reactions. Although such a reaction is uncommon, patients should be aware of the side effects, nonetheless.
2. Fillings are not as strong as natural teeth.
While the material of fillings has improved over time, they are still softer than your tooth’s natural enamel. Fillings are strong but may not be able to survive the same pressure your natural teeth would.
3. Some fillings require the reshaping of your natural tooth.
Some fillings may require additional shaping that will modify your natural teeth during the process. This can result in a weaker tooth. Ideally, a dental filling is minimally invasive and does not require this, but your dentist will safely file the tooth for a natural result depending on the damage.
4. Dental filling is commonly a painless procedure.
Many patients are worried the procedure will be uncomfortable. However, it is typically painless due to local anesthesia being applied to numb the site before the treatment. After your visit, the anesthesia will wear off, and by that time, any pain should have subsided. In cases where the pain does not subside, contact a dentist near you.
5. Fillings blend with your natural smile.
Although some options are noticeable, composite fillings are made to match the color of a patient’s tooth. They will offer patients a seamless result to protect their teeth from further dental issues.
6. Fillings may cause small cracks.
As with many procedures, dental fillings are not perfect. They do not contain any natural adhesive that attaches them to the tooth. Your dentist will drill small holes to wedge the filling onto the tooth to secure the fillings. This may create space for bacteria to grow and create tiny cracks that weaken the tooth.
Interested in Getting Dental Fillings Near You?
If you are experiencing dental issues, our dentists can help determine which procedure is ideal for you. At Terra Dental Care, we focus on helping patients achieve their dream smiles. Contact us today to book an appointment; we will be happy to join you along your dental journey!
