Let’s talk about Dental fillings first
Why do I need to get a filling? Fillings or restorations are advised in case of cavities. Cases where you might feel a slight pain or sensitivity in some teeth only while eating or drinking. You might not even know that there is a cavity but during your regular dental checkup your dentist has discovered some tiny pit and fissure cavities; and in order to prevent the cavity growing and damaging the deeper tooth structures, has advised you a dental filling.
What happens in a filling procedure? Simple – the infected part of the tooth is removed. Dental caries might seem small to the outside but as we start working on the tooth, we will understand its actual extent into the tooth. As we remove the infected part, the tooth is now left with less than its original structure. The restorative material we use is strong enough to restore the lost tooth structure and also helps remove any remaining infection/protect the tooth from any future infections
Care to be taken after dental fillings
- Yes you have gotten a filling on one side of the tooth but if there is any food lodgement and caries beginning to form below this filling, on another side of the same tooth or an adjacent tooth, it should be caught and filled immediately. How can you know this?
- Regular dental checkups and dental cleaning is advised so that your doctor can check for any pinpoint cavities and nip them in the bud
- Do you have to change your diet? Not really. We aspire to restore the tooth’s complete functionality meaning we don’t want you compromising on any food. Yes, certain care is to be taken for a few days right after the filling but nothing permanent.
- Flossing is advised as this removes food debris. Leftover food debris is what attracts the bacteria to form new cavities.
- To prevent the same tooth progressing to a Root Canal Treatment where the infection has progressed too deep, we advise you to get a filling done as early as you spot a cavity. And listen to your dentist when they say that the tooth cannot be saved by a superficial filling anymore
- The chances of a dental filling failure are more in cases where there is a lot of lost tooth structure or the adjacent teeth cavities are not addressed. Hence an expert opinion is mandatory.
Dental fillings can actually be your initial saviours. Don’t let them progress to a point beyond repair. Book your dental consultation now and get a customised treatment plan. We try to be as conservative as possible with your teeth!
