3 Things to Know About Dental Fillings
A dental filling is something that dentists offer when people have cavities. If you are an adult, you probably have several dental fillings in your mouth. If you have not had a cavity in a while, you might have some questions about fillings if you need to get one. Here are three vital things you should know about dental fillings as you prepare to get one.
Dentists Offer Several Types
Most dentists offer several types of dental fillings, and your dentist might explain them to you. The most common type today is called a composite filling. This filling type consists of resins and plastic, and it is tooth-colored. Another option is an amalgam filling, which is a metal filling. If you get a metal filling, it stands out due to the color. Both materials are durable and strong, yet they are not the same. You can talk to your dentist to determine what the best option is for your decay.
Your Dentist Will Make Sure It Is the Right Size
The dental filling process requires several steps, including numbing your mouth and drilling out the decay. After completing those steps, the dentist places the filling in the hole. The last step involves testing the filling to make sure it is the right size. Your dentist might do this by placing special paper between your teeth and asking you to rub your teeth together. Your dentist might also ask you how it feels when you bite down.
If the filling is too big, it can cause friction with the teeth it touches. If it is too small, it might leave a gap between your upper and lower jaw. Therefore, your dentist will take steps to ensure that it is the proper size.
You Might Experience Sensitivity or Slight Pain Afterward
After getting a dental filling, you might feel sensitivity or pain around the tooth. Some people feel no pain or sensitivity, while others feel these things for several weeks. When a dentist performs a procedure on a tooth, it can stir up the nerves in the area. As a result, you might feel some strange sensations with the tooth for a few days or weeks after the procedure.
If you have decay on a tooth, you will need a dental filling. Dental fillings strengthen and protect teeth, and they are good to get when you need them. If you have questions about your teeth, talk to a general dentist today.