Tooth fillings are a frequently reported procedure that is carried out to rectify teeth noticed for cavities or decay. Understanding exactly what to expect during a dental visit can make you less anxious so that you are encouraged and confident in taking this all-important step towards having better oral health as recommended by a family dentist in Memorial City, West Houston. This article explains the dental filling process in Memorial City, West Houston.

1. 1st Visit and Examination

The first step towards the dental filling is having a proper exam by your dentist. However, this test is important for confirming the cavity and assessing its size. X-rays can also be used by the dentist to see a clear picture of the decay giving a more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. At this point, you will also chat about the different types of fillings you can get like amalgam, composite, or ceramic and your dentist will guide you to pick out which one is best for what would suit (your) needs.

2. Preparation for the Filling

When your examination is finished, the dental team will get you fixed for a filling. They will first clean your mouth, concentrating on the tooth where it is located. This dusting removes any dirt and gunk on the floor making sure that when we fill it, it is a smooth, clean of area for our being to call home.

Your dentist will most likely need to place a local anesthetic in the tooth. And for the person who has dental anxiety or is hyper-sensitive, your dentist may usually offer reinforcement sedation to make it easier on you. Local anesthetic injections are very fast, and most patients only feel a small pinch for a split second while the area then becomes immediately painless.

3. Removing Decay from the Tooth

The dentist will cut away the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth once you are numb from the anesthetic. They clean out the decayed tissue, creating a cavity or hole that needs filling with a specialized dental tool. Some decay needs to be removed so the filling can bond well with the remaining tooth structure.

4. Placing the Filling

After preparing the tooth, your dentist will put the selected filling material into the cavity. There is a technique for each type of filing:

• Composite Fillings: A resin-based material is applied in layers, and each layer is hardened during the process with a special curing light. When used as fillings, composite materials directly bond to the tooth surface and match natural teeth in this way.
• Amalgam Fillings: A silver colored material, is mixed and packed into the cavity, shaped, and polished.
• Porcelain or ceramic fillings: These are custom manufactured and then bonded to the tooth. Ceramic is a strong, durable material that also does not get stained and blends well with the natural tone of your tooth enamel.

The placement is precise and creates a filling that fits naturally within your bite, restoring the tooth back to shape and function.

5. Shaping and Polishing

Then the dentist will test your bite to make sure it feels even. You will probably bite down on carbon paper, which makes little marks indicating high spots. Afterward, the dentist will shave and adjust the filling to fit your bite correctly. Once the correct shape is achieved, the filling is smoothed down to make a soft and smooth surface.

Apprehension accompanies understanding each step of the dental filling process, which makes for a smoother appointment. When selecting a professional and friendly dental team to fill your cavity, it will offer you top-quality service which guarantees that the filling is long-lasting and seamless.