Cavity Fillings
When you have a cavity, it's important to get a filling to protect the tooth from further decay. In fact, if left unfilled, a cavity will only get worse and the decay might ultimately lead to bone loss. Fortunately, the tooth-filling procedure is nearly painless thanks to advances in dentistry.
What To Expect
When it's time to fill your cavity, Dr. Brooks will first numb the area using local anesthesia. If you're very nervous about the procedure, talk to Dr. Brooks about options for managing your concerns to help you relax. Once the area surrounding the cavity is numb, your dentist will remove the decayed tissue using a special dental drill. Most patients report that the procedure is essentially painless. Once the decayed material is removed, Dr. Brooks will clean out any debris and place the filling in the cavity. When the filling is in place, he will clean and polish it and send you on your way.
Your lips and gum area may be numb for the first few hours, so chew food carefully using the opposite site of the mouth from where the filling is located. Some tooth sensitivity is normal during the first few weeks after a filling. You may want to avoid extremely hot or cold foods. If sensitivity persists after a few weeks, contact the office. And if you feel pain in the tooth when biting, come in as soon as possible as you may need to have the filling reshaped.
Don't worry if you feel some pain or sensitivity in teeth that are next to the filled tooth. This "referred pain" is the nerves in the filled tooth sending pain signals to other teeth. It is normal and should subside within a week or two.
Take Good Care Of Your Filling
After you've received a filling, follow a regular oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing (preferably with a fluoride toothpaste) and daily flossing. And be sure to see your dentist for regular checkups as you may not notice when your filling starts to wear down. If your filling breaks or falls out, call White Oak Dental immediately so it can be repaired or replaced.
