Discovering you need a dental filling can bring up questions and maybe even a bit of worry—but it doesn’t have to.
Fillings are a common and straightforward way to treat cavities and restore your tooth’s strength and function. At Every Smile Dental, we take care to ensure that the process is as smooth, comfortable, and pain-free as possible.
Here’s what you can expect, step by step, during your dental filling appointment.
Step 1: Numbing the Area
Before anything else, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth that needs treatment. This ensures you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. A numbing gel may be applied to the gum before the injection to make the process even more comfortable.
Step 2: Removing Decay
Once the area is fully numb, your dentist will begin removing the decayed portion of the tooth.
Using a dental drill or laser, they carefully eliminate the damaged enamel and dentin while preserving as much of your healthy tooth as possible.
Step 3: Cleaning the Cavity
After all the decay is removed, the cavity is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any bacteria or debris.
This step is important to prevent further decay or infection from developing under the new filling.
Step 4: Placing the Filling
With the cavity clean and dry, the dentist will place the filling material.
The type of filling used—composite resin, amalgam, or another material—depends on the location of the tooth and your specific needs.
Composite fillings are tooth-colored and commonly used for a more natural look, especially on visible teeth.
The material is applied in layers. For composite fillings, each layer is hardened with a special curing light before the next is added. This layering technique builds a strong, durable bond.
Step 5: Shaping and Polishing
Once the cavity is completely filled, the dentist shapes the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth.
This step ensures your bite feels normal and the tooth looks natural. Finally, the filling is polished to smooth the surface and help prevent staining and plaque buildup.
Step 6: Final Bite Check
The last step is making sure your bite is aligned correctly.
You’ll be asked to bite down on special paper that shows high spots in the filling. If adjustments are needed, the dentist will fine-tune the shape until your bite feels just right.
Aftercare Tips
- Numbness: It can take a couple of hours for the numbness to wear off. Be careful when eating or drinking to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
- Sensitivity: Some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days. If it continues or worsens, contact your dentist.
- Oral hygiene: Keep brushing and flossing daily, and maintain regular dental check-ups to keep fillings—and your natural teeth—in great shape.
When to Call the Dentist
If your filling feels too high, causes discomfort when you bite, or falls out, contact us right away. Early attention can prevent further complications.
At Every Smile Dental, we take pride in offering gentle, effective treatment for cavities and other common dental issues. Getting a filling is a quick and important step in protecting your oral health—and restoring your confidence in your smile.
Need to schedule a filling or check-up? Reach out to us today, and let’s keep your smile healthy and strong.
