What to Expect When Getting a Dental Filling

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Filling

Post by : admin | 17 August 2023

If your dentist has recommended a dental filling, you’re not alone. Fillings are one of the most common and effective treatments for tooth decay, and they’re typically quick, straightforward, and pain-free.

When decay is left untreated, it can erode the enamel and dentin of your tooth, eventually forming a small hole known as a cavity. To restore both function and appearance, your dentist will clean out the decayed area and fill the space with a durable material, preventing further damage and restoring your tooth’s shape and strength.

At Surbiton Dental, we prioritise pain-free dentistry and tailor every treatment to your comfort. Here’s exactly what you can expect during the process of getting a tooth filling in Surbiton, from diagnosis through to aftercare.

Step 1: Diagnosis and Evaluation

Before placing a dental filling, your dentist will first need to assess the extent of the decay. This is typically done in two steps:

X-rays

X-rays provide a clear image of the tooth’s internal structure and help your dentist determine how deep the decay has progressed, including whether it’s close to the tooth’s nerve or affecting neighbouring teeth.

Visual Examination

Your dentist will also conduct a careful visual check using a small mirror and probe to inspect the surfaces of each tooth. Sometimes, they’ll apply a special dye to highlight decayed areas that aren’t immediately visible.

Once your dentist confirms a cavity is present, they’ll recommend the most suitable dental cavity treatment, which is often a tooth filling, unless the damage is more extensive (in which case, other options like crowns or root canals may be discussed).

Step 2: Gentle Preparation for Your Tooth Filling

At Surbiton Dental, your comfort is our top priority. We use pain-free dentistry techniques to make sure your treatment is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Once the decay has been diagnosed and the treatment plan agreed upon, the next step is to prepare your tooth for the dental filling.

Local Anaesthetic

To ensure you feel no discomfort during the procedure, your dentist will begin by administering a local anaesthetic. This numbs the area surrounding the affected tooth, including the gums and nearby nerves, so you can relax throughout the treatment.

Modern anaesthetics act quickly and effectively, and if you have any anxiety about injections, your dentist may apply a numbing gel beforehand to make the process more comfortable.

Tooth Preparation

After the area is fully numb, the dentist will carefully remove the decayed portion of your tooth using a dental drill, air abrasion tool, or laser, depending on the location and extent of the cavity.

This step is crucial to the success of your dental cavity filling, as removing all damaged tissue helps prevent the spread of decay and infection. Once the decayed material is cleared, the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to eliminate any remaining bacteria and debris.

At this point, your tooth is ready to be restored with a white tooth filling, composite material, or another suitable option, all of which we’ll explore in the next section.

Step 3: The Dental Filling Process

Once the tooth has been numbed, cleaned, and prepared, it’s time to restore it with a durable, tooth-coloured or metal filling that protects it from further damage.

Choosing the Right Filling Material

Your dentist will recommend a suitable material based on several factors, including:

• The location and size of the cavity.
• Aesthetic preferences.
• Budget and insurance.
• Any allergies or sensitivities.
• Whether you’re having multiple fillings at once.

Common types of dental filling materials include:

• Composite resin (white fillings): Tooth-coloured and ideal for visible areas. This is the most popular option for patients seeking a natural look.
• Amalgam (silver fillings): Durable and cost-effective, though more noticeable in appearance.
• Porcelain (ceramic): Aesthetic and stain-resistant, often used in larger restorations.
• Gold: Extremely durable and long-lasting, though less common due to cost and colour.

If you’re looking for a more aesthetic option, white tooth filling materials like composite resins are a popular choice. Many patients in the area now choose composite bonding in Surbiton for both cosmetic and restorative purposes.

Placing the Filling

Once the filling material has been selected, your dentist will carefully apply it to the cavity. For composite (white) fillings, the process is completed in layers:

• The material is placed in stages and shaped to match your tooth’s natural contours.
• A special curing light is used to harden each layer.
• After the final layer is set, your dentist will trim, polish, and adjust the filling to ensure a comfortable bite.

The result? A natural-looking restoration that blends seamlessly with your existing tooth structure, restoring both function and appearance.

Step 4: Finishing Touches, Polishing and Bite Check

Once your tooth filling is securely in place, your dentist will apply the finishing touches to ensure it looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth.

Polishing the Filling

After shaping the material, your dentist will smooth and polish the surface of the dental filling. This step:

• Helps the filling blend in with the surrounding teeth
• Prevents rough edges that could irritate your tongue or gums
• Reduces staining and plaque buildup on the surface

With white tooth fillings or composite materials, polishing is especially important to maintain a natural, glossy appearance, one of the reasons composite bonding in Surbiton is such a popular choice for patients wanting subtle, attractive restorations.

Bite Adjustment

Before finishing the appointment, your dentist will ask you to gently bite down on a thin strip of carbon paper to check how your teeth come together.

If your bite feels “off” or uneven, the filling may be slightly too high. Don’t worry, this is easy to fix. Your dentist will make quick adjustments to the filling’s height or shape, ensuring your teeth meet comfortably and your jaw remains aligned.

This small but important step ensures that your new dental filling doesn’t cause sensitivity, discomfort, or additional pressure during chewing.

Step 5: Aftercare for Your Dental Filling

Once your tooth filling is in place, you’ll be able to eat and speak normally, but a few simple aftercare steps will help ensure a smooth recovery and prolong the life of your restoration.

Post-Filling Sensitivity

It’s normal to experience mild tooth sensitivity in the first few days following a dental cavity filling. You may notice discomfort when eating hot, cold, or particularly sweet foods. This is especially common if the filling is deep or close to the nerve of the tooth.

The good news? This sensitivity usually fades within a week or two. If it persists or worsens, let your dentist know; they may need to adjust the filling or explore alternative tooth decay treatment options.

For patients with a history of sensitive teeth or gum recession, your dentist may recommend a white tooth filling with a desensitising agent or suggest switching to a specialist toothpaste.

Daily Care and Long-Term Maintenance

To protect your new dental filling and reduce the risk of further decay:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between the teeth and below the gumline
• Limit sugary or acidic foods, which can weaken enamel.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t just about keeping your fillings in good condition; it’s essential for preventing future dental cavity treatments and avoiding the progression of decay or gum disease.

At Surbiton Dental, we believe prevention is key. That’s why we combine pain-free dentistry with patient education to help you protect your smile for the long term.

Step 6: Potential Complications to Be Aware Of

Although dental fillings are considered low-risk and routine, there are occasional complications to be mindful of. Knowing what to watch for ensures that you can act early and avoid more serious issues later on.

Allergic Reactions

Some patients may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to the materials used in certain types of dental cavity fillings, particularly amalgam (metal) fillings, which contain mercury alloys. Reactions are rare but can include irritation, swelling, or unusual discomfort. If you have known allergies or sensitivities, your dentist will guide you toward safer alternatives such as white tooth filling materials or composite bonding in Surbiton.

Prolonged Pain or Sensitivity

Mild sensitivity after a tooth filling is common and should resolve within days or a couple of weeks. However, if pain persists or worsens, especially when biting, chewing, or drinking, it may signal:

• A misaligned filling.
• Undetected nerve irritation.
• Secondary decay under the filling.
• A crack in the tooth or restoration.

If you experience lingering discomfort, don’t ignore it; contact your dentist in Surbiton for a prompt review. It’s part of our commitment to pain-free dentistry and ongoing patient care.

Filling Damage or Failure

Like any dental restoration, fillings can wear down or break over time due to:

• Frequent chewing or teeth grinding (bruxism).
• Exposure to hard or sticky foods.
• Natural ageing of the material.

Damaged or missing fillings leave your tooth vulnerable to bacteria, decay, and even infection. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch early signs of deterioration and recommend timely dental cavity treatment before complications arise.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?

One of the most common questions we hear at Surbiton Dental is, “How much will my filling cost?” The answer depends on a few key factors, but rest assured, we’re always transparent about fees and will walk you through your options before any treatment begins.

What Affects the Cost of a Tooth Filling?

Several variables influence the cost of a dental filling, including:

• Material Used:

1. 1. Amalgam (silver) fillings tend to be the most budget-friendly.
   2. Composite (white) fillings are more aesthetic and slightly more expensive due to the layering and light-curing process.
   3. Porcelain or gold fillings are premium options, often used in more complex restorations.

• Cavity Size and Location:

Larger cavities or those affecting molars may require more time and material, slightly increasing the cost.

• Dentist’s Experience and Location:

Highly trained professionals offering pain-free dentistry and advanced materials may charge more, and fees can also vary regionally.

• Insurance Coverage:

Your private dental insurance (if applicable) may cover some or all of your tooth filling costs, especially for medically necessary dental cavity treatment. Be sure to check the details of your plan.

If you’re seeking dental fillings in Surbiton, we’re happy to provide an upfront quote based on your individual case, whether it’s a quick white tooth filling or part of a broader treatment like composite bonding in Surbiton.

Ultimately, timely treatment helps you avoid costlier problems down the line. The longer a cavity is left untreated, the greater the risk of infection, nerve damage, or even tooth loss, all of which are more complex and expensive to fix.

If you have concerns about pricing or materials, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make your experience informative, transparent, and worry-free.

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