How to Protect Your Teeth

Need A Dental Filling? What To Know

Having a cavity is one of the most common oral conditions that people get. Even though a cavity can be painful and irritating, it can usually just be filled with a dental filling. If you are one of the lucky ones and have never had to have a dental filling until now, then you may not know what to expect or anything about them. Are you ready to learn a little bit more? This article will take a closer look. Read on to learn some more. 

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several different types of dental fillings, including amalgam fillings, gold fillings, and ceramic fillings. It used to be that the most popular type of fillings were amalgam fillings because they were more affordable. But because amalgam fillings are usually made of metal, they don't blend in well with the color of your teeth, which now makes them less popular. These days, a lot of people opt for the ceramic fillings which are durable, tooth-colored, and fairly affordable. 

What Does the Process Feel Like?

If you are a little nervous about what it will feel like when you get a new dental filling, then you will be happy to know that your mouth will be numb during the entire procedure so you shouldn't feel a thing. The only thing that you will feel is a little stinging from the numbing shot and then pressure as your dentist applies the filling. Then afterward, you will experience some difficulty drinking and eating until the numbness wears off. 

Are They Effective?

The great thing about dental fillings is that they are very effective. By filling in the cavity (or hole) in your tooth, your dental filling will help to prevent the cavity from getting worse and allows you to chew like normal again (and without the pain). The type of dental filling that you get will determine just how long they last. 

During your initial consultation appointment with your dentist, they will go over all of your dental filling options and help you choose the one that's the best for you. If you are a little bit nervous about having to get a dental filling, then your dentist can help answer any questions that you have to help you feel a lot calmer about the whole thing. As a routine procedure, remember that getting dental fillings isn't something that you should worry much about.


Share