WHAT IS DENTAL FILLING?
Dental Filling is a treatment modality to restore missing tooth structure which could have been a result of decay or trauma. Decay makes tooth hollow. Dental Filling helps to fill this gap and protect it from further decay. A filling is also used to repair broken or cracked tooth and the teeth which wear off due to dental habits like teeth grinding, nail biting etc.
BEFORE AFTER PICS
WHEN DOES ONE NEED DENTAL FILLING?
- There are various signs and symptoms where fillings can be required. The symptoms could be as below:
- A hole in your tooth
- Dark spots on the tooth
- Food stuck between certain areas of the teeth
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverage
- Single or multiple cavities
- If you come across any of the symptoms as mentioned above, then there is a chance that you need a filling. The final decision will be of your dentist after a thorough oral examination.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT GETTING A DENTAL FILLING DONE?
If you have decay, then it is extremely important to get Fillings done because if the treatment is not done on time then slowly the enamel (outer part of teeth) start decaying exposing the dentin (the inner layer of tooth below the enamel). The bacteria in your mouth will come in contact with dentin, causing infection. Once the infection starts, you will feel sensitivity and will then want to get Fillings done. But if you skip this part and do not get the treatment done on time, then the infection will reach to the nerve which will eventually damage the tooth and then one needs to undergo a Root Canal Treatment. You are also at risk of the infection traveling to the adjacent tooth making it prone to decay.
POST TREATMENT CARE FOR DENTAL FILLING?
- Before you start chewing, make sure that the anesthesia is worn off
- Do not consume anything too hot or too cold if the effect of anesthesia is still on
- You might feel soreness around your gum area, this will last only for a few days
- Avoid hard or sticky food for a few days
- If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, then make sure you use a mouth guard to protect your filling
- If you feel sensitivity for too long or if your dental fillings come out, visit your dentist immediately
- Maintain a good Oral Hygiene routine like cleaning, brushing, mouthwash & flossing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
The longevity of Dental Filling depends upon the material of the filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of Dental Filling varies from 10 years to 20 years.
Yes, but the chances are rare.
Visit your dentist as soon as your Dental Filling comes out.
If you have sensitivity even after getting the filling done, then it is likely that your filling is about to come off. Or if you feel pressure while eating or have a constant toothache then the chances of it coming off is high.