What Is A Dental Filling, And What Is Its Purpose?
A dental filling is an artificial substance that is used to fill in the cavities or holes in the tooth structure. Our teeth are surrounded by a strong, protective layer known as enamel. Although it is one of the hardest structures in the body, it may still suffer damage due to dental caries, oral trauma, or other causes.
Dental caries is a progressive disease in which your teeth go through gradual changes until a proper cavity forms. The bacteria in your oral cavity cause the breakdown of enamel, leading to painful symptoms. To avoid such consequences and reinforce the tooth structure, we provide restorative tooth fillings at our Cypress, TX, practice.
Common indications for teeth fillings include:
- Tooth decay
- Chipped teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Root caries
- Worn-out teeth
- Replacing old fillings
- Root-canal-treated teeth
What Are The Primary Types of Dental Fillings In Cypress, TX?
After performing a detailed oral exam, we will determine a dental restoration that best matches your oral needs. Our Cypress, TX, practice offers different types of tooth-colored dental fillings, including
- Composite resin: It is a tooth-colored dental filling that blends into the natural shade of your teeth. Composite resin is moldable and can be shaped on-site to match the natural anatomy of teeth.
- Ceramic: It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing dental materials due to its close resemblance to natural teeth. This dental filling requires lab preparation and is available as porcelain inlays and onlays.
- Glass ionomer: It is a combination of glass and acrylic. The primary advantage of glass ionomer cement is that it releases fluoride into the tooth enamel. However, it is not as durable and long-lasting as other dental restorations.
What Are The Steps Involved in Getting A Dental Filling?
After performing a preliminary oral exam and digital X-rays, our Cypress, TX, team will proceed with the process of dental fillings if you have signs of tooth decay. To begin, we will administer local anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums. Our dentist will then use a small drilling device to remove the damaged portion of your teeth.
We will rinse the prepared region and allow it to dry before placing the desired dental filling. In the case of composite resin, we will use a special curing light to harden it. Once the process is complete, we will perform finishing adjustments to ensure there are no rough edges and that the filling blends smoothly with your teeth.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Tooth Decay That Might Require A Filling?
Tooth decay progresses slowly, and you may fail to notice its initial symptoms until it causes enamel breakdown. During the early stage, you may notice white or chalky spots on the tooth surface. They occur as a result of remineralization of the enamel in order to prevent cavities. However, if the disease progresses, the color of these spots changes from white to dark brown or black.
During this stage, you may feel slight pain, sensitivity, or tenderness in your teeth. You may also experience difficulty while biting or chewing food. The symptoms may worsen over time if the cavity progresses and reaches the inner pulp. The best course of action is to get tooth fillings at our Cypress, TX, practice as early as possible. It can limit the spread of dental caries and protect your teeth from further damage.
How Long Does The Dental Fillings Procedure Take At Our Cypress, TX, Practice?
The time taken by a dental filling procedure may vary, depending on the severity of your case, the material of dental filling, and the number of teeth requiring fillings. If the cavity size is small, the procedure may take 20 to 30 minutes. After finishing and polishing, you will be ready to walk back home. However, if multiple teeth require restoration, the process may take longer. For your ease and comfort, our dentists may split the procedure into two or more appointments.
What Is The Typical Recovery Process After Getting A Dental Filling?
After receiving dental fillings in Cypress, TX, you will recover quickly without any complications. Once the effect of anesthesia wears off, you may feel slight sensitivity in your teeth, but it resolves within the same day. You can lower the risk of sensitivity by chewing on the other side of your mouth for a few days and avoiding hot or cold products.
Brush your teeth regularly and floss the areas in between to prevent plaque buildup. Keep in mind that teeth with fillings may become infected again, so it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Visit Céline Dental For Customized Dental Restorations
Dental cavities not only affect your smile but also impact the functioning of your oral cavity. Get early treatment with dental fillings in Cypress, TX, to save your teeth and prevent further damage. Call us today at (281) 262-2332 to book an appointment.