Dental Fillings
Dentist Great Falls
 Dental fillings are made from different materials, such as glass or plastic. These materials help to fill areas in your teeth that we have removed due to extensive cavities or decay. Another common use of fillings is to repair fractured or cracked teeth. Request an appointment at our River's Edge Dental clinic for a dental cleaning and exam to ensure you are suitable for dental fillings.
Dental Fillings Installation Procedure Once you are cleared for a dental filling installation procedure, knowing what to expect can give you peace of mind. Here is a simple breakdown of the process.
Preparation for the Procedure Getting ready for a dental filling is simple. First up at Rivers Edge Dental, we do a check-up to learn more about your oral health before the procedure. This check-up helps us understand exactly what your teeth need. We walk you through the pre-procedure assessment, where we figure out how much damage there is and which filling material will work best. Our dentist aims to explain each step clearly, making sure you are in the loop and feeling at ease about the whole process. It is like a personalized plan to get your teeth back in the best shape.
Occasionally, we opt for a temporary dental filling. It is like a quick solution to ensure the edges of the cavities are nice and smooth. If those edges are sharp or jagged, they could spell trouble. The temporary filling plays the role of a placeholder until the official dental filling procedure.
Local Anesthesia Administration The initial and arguably most vital step in the dental filling procedure is making sure you feel at ease. Dental work can be nerve-wracking for many people. We skillfully use a syringe to introduce the numbing agent. After a swift injection, wait around 3 to 5 minutes, and you will find yourself in the comfort zone where sensations are not felt.
Removal of the Decayed Areas Decay may present as discoloration, often appearing as brown or black areas on the tooth, and have a smooth texture that is easy to remove. To ensure comprehensive removal, we deploy a range of meticulous techniques. Our approach involves the use of advanced tools, such as high-speed dental tools, facilitating the precise removal of decayed portions and tooth shaping in preparation for the filling procedure.
Placement of the Filling Material Once the suitable filling material is chosen, the experts at Rivers Edge Dental carefully insert it into the prepared tooth cavity. The application technique varies based on the type of material selected.
For amalgam and certain composite fillings, a meticulous layer-by-layer placement is employed by our dentist. This method ensures a comprehensive and secure restoration with no gaps or underfilled areas. The key is only to apply a little material at a time, as this may lead to unintended gaps.
However, advancements in composite materials have introduced bulk-fill composites, eliminating the necessity for layering. These advanced composites can be efficiently applied in a single, substantial layer.
Allowing Hardening of the Filling Material The solidification process varies depending on the specific filling material employed. Amalgam filling sets within a few minutes. However, if the dentist works slowly, there is a risk of the material setting while they are packing it into the cavity.
On the other hand, composite fillings necessitate a curing process using an LED curing light to solidify the material. This light emits a specific frequency that initiates the hardening process. While composite resin can also be set with visible daylight, the duration is significantly prolonged. It is crucial to shield the composite resin from direct light exposure without a cover, as this may lead to premature hardening. Our dedication to precision ensures a unique and tailored approach to each filling material, ensuring optimal results in the solidification process.
Bite Alignment Once the filling material has completed its hardening process, we will carefully fine-tune your bite for optimal comfort. This adjustment is crucial to ensure that the filling seamlessly integrates with your natural bite pattern, eliminating any potential discomfort during chewing or biting down.
To achieve this precision, an articulating paper will be used to map out your bite. You will be guided to bite down a few times, allowing the identification of any high spots or areas causing discomfort. Subsequently, these identified spots will be gently refined until your bite feels both normal and even. This approach ensures a unique and tailored adjustment, prioritizing your comfort and the seamless integration of the filling with your natural bite.
Polishing and Finishing Finishing up the dental filling process, the last step is like giving your tooth a little makeover. We use special polishers to make the filling look and feel glossy. It is a quick and painless touch-up, leaving your tooth looking beautiful and restored. It is like giving your smile a little extra sparkle.
Benefits of Dental Fillings Reduces Toothaches and Gum Disease When you get a filling, we remove the decay from your tooth and fill the gap to protect it. This prevents your tooth nerves from being exposed to temperature changes and acids, reducing the risk of toothaches caused by cavities and gum disease.
Improves the Structure of Your Teeth Composite fillings play a crucial role in fortifying your tooth structure. Rather than leaving the tooth weakened by a cavity, the filling provides essential support. As a temporary solution, the application of fillings ensures that your tooth remains undamaged during the process, promoting overall dental health.
Strengthens Your Teeth Fillings prove invaluable in the restoration of a fractured tooth. This often involves the application of a white composite chosen for its aesthetic appeal. Tooth fractures may occur as a result of oral trauma during activities such as sports or accidents. Additionally, the act of chewing on tough substances like ice or hard candies can contribute to tooth fractures, emphasizing the versatile role of fillings in dental repair.
Improve the Appearance of your Teeth The application of composite fillings is a common solution for teeth marked by severe staining and discoloration. The culprit behind such dental woes often lies in the consumption of staining agents like coffee and red wine. In addressing these concerns, composite fillings emerge as a versatile remedy for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of discolored teeth.
If you have cavities in your teeth, dental fillings at River's Edge Dental are a conservative and noninvasive method to restore the look of your teeth and prevent gum disease. For more information, contact us at (406) 315-5882 and request an appointment with our experts. |
