At your dental examination, a thorough assessment of the teeth is carried out. If necessary, an x-ray (for diagnosing and planning purposes) may also be recorded.
- The tooth is cleaned and prepared to accept the filling.
- The resulting cavity is then etched and a bonded layer applied.
- The dental filling is placed in a putty-like state.
- Once moulded to the tooth, it is then set hard with an ultraviolet light.
- Finally, after the filling is placed, it can be further shaped and polished to match the surrounding tooth.
The procedure usually requires local anaesthetic and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Dental fillings are a relatively simple procedure, usually completed in a single visit.
The composite resin material can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding tooth therefore have a very natural, tooth-like appearance.
Due to their natural appearance, Tooth-coloured fillings can be used to substitute old metal fillings to dramatically improve the overall appearance of your smile.
After a filling procedure, the tooth may be sensitive to pressure, cold air or liquids and/or sweet foods. Any Sensitivity should subside after 7-10 days. Until then, desensitising toothpaste and mild painkillers should help keep symptoms under control. If the sensitivity is extreme or does not decrease after two weeks, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Sunrise Dental Care.
Well maintained dental fillings can last for 10 or more years. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of a filling and your teeth is good oral health habits. These involves:
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Flossing daily
- A healthy, balanced diet with limited sugary snacks between meals.
- Regular 6 monthly examination and professional cleanings are essential to ensure the long-term health of the dental fillings.
