Dental complaints are often taken for granted and not given priority. However, the persistence of cavities or decay may lead to long-term damage. It is crucial to seek treatment from a dentist at the earliest who can suggest the best procedure for you. There are usually several treatments to choose from, including dental fillings.
When a patient’s tooth is decayed, the dentist may treat it by removing the damaged part and filling the remaining space. Dental fillings are usually done on teeth that cavities have damaged, but they can also be done to repair teeth that have cracked or broken.
Teeth can also weaken and deteriorate due to habits such as teeth grinding or nail-biting. Fillings can help correct this damage as well. This procedure is beneficial as it also helps to prevent further decay. It is essential to consult a dentist as soon as you discover signs of decay. Dr. Alicia Schraner in Yonkers can help with dental issues and provide holistic treatment.
What is the process of getting dental fillings?
After preliminary tests to check the extent of damage, the dentist will begin by numbing the area surrounding the damaged tooth. They will then drill into the tooth to extract the decayed part. After this, the space created due to the removal of part of the tooth is filled. Today, various options are available for dental fillings. These include gold, porcelain, silver, amalgam (a combination of mercury, silver, zinc, tin, and copper), or resin. All these materials have their advantages and drawbacks, and it is best to consult your dentist when choosing the filling.
Caring for your dental fillings:
It is essential to take care of the filling to ensure that decay does not form in or around the filling or between other surrounding teeth. Various practices can be adopted to care for dental fillings:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended.
- You must floss at least once a day to remove debris and remnants of food particles that cause decay in the first place.
- The patient must ensure that they do not strain the filling area. It is advisable to refrain from chewing from the side with the filling for a few days.
- Using fluoride-based mouthwash is also recommended to ensure that bacteria in the mouth do not persist.
- In case of pain or discomfort, you can take painkillers for relief.
- You must consume plenty of water and other liquids and indulge in a balanced diet to accelerate the process of healing.
