Many people dread visiting the dentist due to dental anxiety. It is a common problem affecting children and adults and is also one of the main reasons why people forgo or postpone their dental appointments. However, you should see your dentist routinely whenever you have any dental problem. If you are dreading having your tooth repaired with a filling, you are not alone. The good news is that knowing what to expect during fillings Bronx can calm your nerves. Read on to understand what the process entails.
Initial examination
The first step to getting a filing is determining if you need one in the first place. That means your dentist will examine your teeth to check for cavities or minor fractures. It is best to fill a cavity to avoid serious problems, including infection, tooth decay, and chronic pain. The examination is a fast and painless process. Your dentist may use a metallic tool to test the strength of your teeth or a dye to expose areas of decay. A dental x-ray helps determine the damage’s extent and shows the location of decay and fracture. The examination allows your dentist to choose the right approach to restore your tooth fully.
Preparing for the procedure
There is usually little to no preparation when it comes to a dental filling. The procedure is noninvasive, meaning you don’t need to fast several hours before your appointment. But it is vital to brush and floss your teeth as you would normally; you don’t want your dentist working on dirty teeth. If you struggle with dental anxiety, try to schedule your filling appointment in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about it throughout the day.
The length of the procedure often depends on the severity of your condition and the number of teeth your dentist must fill. But it usually takes less than an hour to complete a single filing. Therefore, you don’t need to take the day off work or school.
The dental filling procedure
Your doctor may apply topical gel or inject topical anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Some dentists also use nitrous oxide or laughing gas to ensure patients are comfortable during treatment. If you suffer from severe dental anxiety or phobia, your dentist may offer sedation dentistry to keep you calm. A simple filling only causes minor irritation, so numbing gel or local anesthesia is usually enough to make the process comfortable.
Next, the dentist removes all the decay, cleans the area then places an adhesive material over the tooth. They may then fill your tooth using composite material, resin, or amalgam; the material your dentist uses depends on the tooth’s condition. The dentist then uses laser light to harden the material in place. Finally, your dentist will smooth any edges and polish the tooth; this helps your filling look and feel natural. You may have to bite down on carbon paper to help determine if the filling is too high. The dentist will file it down if it is too high so it aligns with your natural bite.
If you have a cavity, book an appointment with your dentist at Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale for treatment to improve your oral health.
