Various materials can be used to fill a cavity in your tooth. After consulting with your Dental Society dentist, we will find the most suitable solution for you.
After your dentist has performed a preliminary assessment of your situation and determined a filling as the best course of action, you will be booked in for your treatment. Filling treatments can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to complete depending on the type of filling chosen and the number of fillings necessary.
If you have opted for a porcelain or gold filling, additional sessions and time may be necessary to accommodate the custom-made mould.
Most of the time, dentists will prepare the treatment area with a numbing agent before a local anaesthetic is applied. This ensures that you won’t experience pain or discomfort from the anaesthetic process.
After the local anaesthetic begins to kick in, your dentist will then proceed to remove any decay from the damaged tooth and seal the area off with the filling material. Afterwards, part of the filling may be filed down to maintain a natural teeth alignment and bite feeling.
It is usually fine to eat straight after receiving a filling, however, the affected tooth may feel more sensitive when eating sweet, cold or hot foods.
If you receive a deep filling, you may continue to experience pain or discomfort once the anaesthesia wears off. This is normal for the first few days, but you should consult your Dental Society dentist if the feeling persists after a week.
How long a dental filling lasts depends on the material, size, and how well you care for your teeth. Usually, they stay good for 5 to 15 years. But if you take good care and see your dentist regularly, they can last even longer.
