Metal-free fillings look like natural teeth, so more people are choosing them when they have cavities. If you are about to get a composite resin filling, you want to know what to expect. What will the procedure be like? What will you feel like once it is over? Get the details, so you will be comfortable when you go to the dentist.
The entire procedure for getting composite resin fillings takes about 20 minutes. Dentists go through a series of steps to ensure the filling is properly placed and blends in with the natural teeth.
Dentists begin the procedure by numbing the area. First, dentists apply a numbing substance to the gums, skin and tooth. Then, dentists inject a numbing agent into the gums. This numbs the area. Patients who have dental anxiety can also ask for nitrous oxide. This calms them and also provides additional pain relief.
Dentists examine the location and depth of the cavity. If patients are likely to struggle to keep their mouths open or if the cavity is in a hard-to-reach area, dentists insert a rubber dam. This provides dentists with easy access to the tooth, and patients do not have to fight to keep their mouths open.
Before placing metal fillings, dentists must remove the decay along with healthy portions of the tooth to make room for the restoration. Dentists remove much less of the tooth with non-metal fillings. This is preferred since removing healthy tooth structure weakens the tooth.
Composite resin fillings are placed in steps. Dentists add the first layer of the filling and then harden it by shining a special light on it. Then, dentists add the second layer and harden it and so on until the entire space is filled. While there are several steps, the process is relatively quick. Dentists then shape the resin so that it resembles the natural tooth structure. Once it is shaped, patients can go home.
Patients who have received metal fillings are likely to go home with a set of instructions for the next several hours. Metal fillings need time to set, so people cannot eat or drink for several hours after getting one. Patients who eat or drink too soon run the risk of damaging the restoration.
The same is not true for composite resin fillings. The fillings are fully set by the time patients leave the office, so it is okay to resume normal activities. However, the patient’s mouths will be numb after the appointment, so special care is needed when chewing. Patients must be careful to avoid mouth damage.
The process for filling teeth with composite resin is relatively simple. You will be numb during the procedure so that you will not feel any pain. The dentist will apply multiple layers of composite resin to the affected area and the filling will be dry by the time you leave. If you want to get a composite resin filling, speak to your dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and be grateful for the remaining thirty-one — despite the difficulties such a loss can cause. The good news is that getting a partial denture for one missing tooth is a relatively straightforward and largely painless procedure. Although you may experience…
Professional dental cleanings are integral for keeping your mouth healthy. They remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that regular brushing and flossing cannot, leaving your teeth and gums refreshed. Maintaining healthy habits that keep your smile bright and strong is essential to make the most of a dental cleaning. Caring for your teeth properly after…
When it comes to replacing teeth, some people feel it is unnecessary to get a partial denture for one missing tooth. However, even one missing tooth can cause severe damage to the rest of the mouth and even lead to behavioral issues such as embarrassment or loss of confidence if it is not replaced with…
If you have a gap in your teeth, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. The gap may be affecting your appearance and lowering your self-confidence. Even if the missing tooth is in the back and is not very noticeable, it is important to replace it because there are long-term…
When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and be grateful for the remaining thirty-one — despite the difficulties such a loss can cause. The good news is that getting a partial denture for one missing tooth is a relatively straightforward and largely painless procedure. Although you may experience…
Professional dental cleanings are integral for keeping your mouth healthy. They remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that regular brushing and flossing cannot, leaving your teeth and gums refreshed. Maintaining healthy habits that keep your smile bright and strong is essential to make the most of a dental cleaning. Caring for your teeth properly after…