What are Fillings?
A filling is a way to restore a damaged tooth back to its normal function and shape. First we remove the old filling or the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay.
Amalgam (silver) fillings are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable and are not usually used in very visible areas, such as front teeth.
Composite (plastic/ resin) fillings are the same color as your teeth. Composites may not be the ideal material for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
Local anesthetics are often used during a filling appointment to help avoid pain. The numbness can last from 2-4 hours or even more. If the bite is off after the numbness wears off, come back to have it adjusted.
Once a filling is done, wait few hours before chewing on the numbed side. Eat soft food for the rest of the day and continue brushing and flossing. You can resume normal diet the next day. The tooth can become sensitive if the filling is large. Let us know if that happens to you.
