A Family Dentist Explains Fillings

A Family Dentist Explains Fillings from Grand Valley Dentistry in Allendale Charter Twp, MIWhen a tooth develops decay, it can be restored to normal function through a dental filling by a family dentist. Decay that does not cause pain is often discovered through routine dental visits, but sometimes cavities are symptomatic. While the type of filling recommended by the dentist depends on the location and size of the damage, this simple dental procedure follows similar steps each time.

How a family dentist performs a filling

Dental fillings are common dental procedures that address the presence of cavities. When one is found during a dental exam, the dentist follows a standard set of procedures to correct the problem.

Evaluation and planning

During an annual dental check-up, a family dentist evaluates the patient's teeth for signs of decay. If any is present, the provider creates a plan of care to address it. This typically includes scheduling a time to remove the decayed part of the tooth using either a drill or laser and then filling the resulting hole with a composite resin, amalgam, gold, ceramic, or glass ionomer material. The chosen filling material depends on several factors, including the location of the cavity, age of the patient, size of the damage, budget, and preference of the patient.

Pain prevention

Since cavity removal can sometimes involve access to the nerve root of the tooth, pain prevention may be recommended before the procedure begins. Some patients who have a history of anxiety during dental procedures may also request additional medication to lessen nervousness.

Decay removal

After the area surrounding the decayed tooth is numb, the dentist uses a special handheld drill or laser to remove the damaged area completely. After the removal, the area is cleansed thoroughly to remove any remaining debris and prevent infection.

Filling process

Once all signs of decay have been removed from the tooth and the area has been disinfected, the resulting hole must be filled with a type of dental material to replace the missing portion. If the hole is deep enough to reach the pulp, a protective liner material may be placed over the pulp before the filling material is added. Most types of fillings are cured and hardened with a special light, after which the dentist polishes and smooths the surface of the tooth to make it ready for use.

Post-procedure care

After the filling process is complete, it may take a little while for the numbness to subside. During this time, it is important to take care while eating or drinking to avoid accidental damage to the lips. Further post-procedure care may involve a follow-up appointment to make sure everything went well with the process. Patients should receive instruction about recommended oral hygiene steps to learn how to avoid cavities in the future.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Allendale Charter Twp, MI

Conclusion

Fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures performed at a family dentist’s office. Most dentists follow a similar series of steps to ensure a positive outcome and help prevent future cavities from forming.

Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.

Recent Posts

Make An Appointment With A Family Dentist Today

Regular dental checkups are vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You should visit your family dentist at least once every six months. This includes both adults and children alike. Routine dental appointments are essential for good oral health and they offer many important benefits.Tartar removal is an important step in dental appointments that…

Your Family Dentist Discusses When To Seek Restorative Treatments

A visit to the family dentist is recommended every six months. For patients with proper oral hygiene, the treatment provided during these visits should be primarily preventative. However, even those who take good care of their teeth occasionally need restorative treatments due to accidents or natural wear and tear over time.Most patients in need of…

Why Choose One Family Dentist For Everyone In Your Family

Choosing the same family dentist for every member in a household has numerous benefits. These practitioners are trained in providing dental care to most age groups and understand the varying oral and dental health needs at all life stages. This differs from general dentistry, in which practitioners generally focus on a particular age group.There are…

Recent Posts

Caring For Your Dental Bridge: Maintenance Tips For A Lasting Smile

Caring For Your Dental Bridge: Maintenance Tips For A Lasting Smile

Are you considering getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth? This prosthetic can work wonders, but like with all prosthetics, you might be wondering how you are supposed to maintain it so it lasts forever. Continue reading to find out more.Here are a general dentist's tips about caring for dental bridges. Reviewing this…

Exploring The Various Types Of Dental Bridges

Exploring The Various Types Of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are an effective option for people missing teeth due to trauma, infection, or decay. They can prevent the teeth from shifting, a common side effect of missing teeth. They also restore normal oral function and appearance. Here are a few types of dental bridges a dentist might consider.A traditional dental bridge is the…