For a lot of people, the idea of getting dental fillings can be scary and stressful. So, our team here at Northside Family Dental put together this blog post to outline how most dental fillings are completed, so you’ll know what to expect.
Your appointment will likely start with a general dental check-up, including getting X-rays done so we can accurately assess the level of decay or any other issues causing you to need dental fillings. From there, we’ll discuss our findings with you and let you know our plan for restoring the condition and appearance of your teeth.
When we’re ready to start the procedure, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This helps keep you comfortable during the actual procedure. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, we’ll remove the damaged or decayed section of the tooth and thoroughly clean the area to ensure it’s free from bacteria and there is a healthy area of your tooth for the filling to adhere to.
After the tooth has been prepared, we’ll begin applying the filling material in layers. For resin or ceramic dental fillings, we carefully match the shade to your teeth to look natural and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your tooth. We’ll shape and polish it as well and then do a final bite test to ensure that everything is aligned properly and doesn’t impact your ability to chew or speak. We wrap everything up with a consultation on how to care for your dental fillings and tips for avoiding needing them in the future.
Getting dental fillings doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing procedure. If you’re feeling nervous about your scheduled appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re happy to talk with you more about what to expect and how you can prepare so that you feel comfortable on the day of your procedure.