Dental Filling: 4 Commonly Asked Questions

When the dentist breaks the news to a patient that a dental filling is required, there may be a mountain of questions that come to mind. How did this happen? Will it hurt? How long will it take? Luckily, there are resources to help every patient prepare for the procedure well in advance of ever needing one. Read up on why the method helps keep a patient's oral and internal health from deteriorating and what are the answers to some of the most basic queries.

What necessitates the use of fillings?

A checkup may reveal that a tooth is decaying. When this happens, it is typically the result of plaque deposits that have gotten inside the enamel that protects teeth. This intrusion results in tiny fissures that may open the way for other detrimental bacteria to gain access to the root system of teeth, the jaw and eventually the bloodstream. When a dentist finds a cavity, often on an X-ray, intervention is required.

What are 4 common questions about fillings?

Patients who have never had experience with dental fillings may have a lot of misinformation floating around. Reviewing short answers to four of the most commonly asked questions can provide insight into this widely performed procedure.

1. What is a dental filling?

Cracks and crevices in the teeth are not suitable for a person's health as they open the door for infection of the mouth and beyond. Once the cavity is identified, the dentist must act to clean out the opening and then seal it against further exposure. A filling is injected into the hole to close it and keep the underlying tooth root system safe.

2. What is used as a filling?

There are several options available to patients who need fillings. These are the most commonly used materials:

• Silver amalgam  
• Composite 
• Ceramic 
• Glass ionomer
• Gold

Of these five, the two most common are silver amalgam and composite. Silver fillings are the least expensive and fill the cavity quickly. The biggest drawback is the visibility of the filling. To avoid this, patients may choose the composite filling, a resin mixture made to match the color of the tooth closely. 

3. Does it hurt?

In most cases, the dentist can inject medicine into the gum at the base of the tooth. The injection works quickly to numb the nerves of the tooth being worked on and those adjacent to reduce pain. The dentist will test the area several times before starting the filling to ensure there is no discomfort.

4. How long does a filling last?

Silver amalgam fillings can last 12 years or longer. Composite fillings may need replacing every five to 10 years and are subject to staining and wear and tear. Out of the five options, gold fillings tend to last the longest at 20 years or more.

Conclusion

A dental filling is a routine procedure to combat the degradation of oral health. Consulting with a dental provider in advance can help a patient understand the details of the treatment and possible outcomes.

Request an appointment here: https://metrosmiles.com or call Metro Smiles Dental at (718) 841-9591 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.

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