What is the process for a tooth filling

What is the process for a tooth filling

What is the process for a tooth filling? How long does it take, and does it hurt? Put your mind at rest and read the step-by-step process we cover in this blog.

If you’ve been told that you need to get a filling, you might be wondering, ‘what is the process for getting a tooth filling?’ Is it something that you should be worried about, or should you treat getting a filling like any other Tuesday?

While getting a filling is a lot more common than you think, we won’t lie to you and say that it is generally a pleasant experience. It can be daunting, especially if you already don’t like trips to the dentist. However, fillings hurt less than extractions, and they really shouldn’t hurt at all since the area gets numbed.

In this blog, we will put your fears to rest and go through everything you need to know about tooth fillings. From what they are to the process of getting a tooth filling. By the end, you should have no worries at all.

What is a tooth filling, and why would you need one?

A tooth filling will be used to treat cavities or holes that form in your teeth, and getting fillings happens more frequently than you may think, so it usually isn’t anything to worry about. While you will typically get a permanent filling, you may need to get a temporary one initially. These temporary tooth fillings only last a few weeks, until there’s enough time for the full procedure.

If you need emergency treatment for a dental issue, you may turn to filling in a cavity at home, but this is not recommended, as it can cause complications. In the situation where you are in need of help, it would be best to call 111 for advice.

Are tooth fillings painful?

Getting a filling might cause some sensitivity and discomfort for a little while after the procedure, but it should quickly return to normal. Thanks to the numbing agents we use, the procedure of getting the filling itself shouldn’t hurt at all.

If numbness persists after a few hours, you may want to call the dental office. On the off chance that your teeth are still sensitive after a few weeks of having the filling in, you should make another appointment with your dentist, as something might have gone wrong.

Your dentist should go through how long you will have to wait before you can eat after getting a filling, and also what you should avoid after getting a filling. We also suggest you have a look at this blog that outlines the signs you should look out for that you should return to your dentist.

Is getting a tooth filling expensive?

Getting a tooth filling can be expensive, depending on where you live, the amount of tooth decay, the type of filling you get, and which tooth or teeth need to be treated. Some materials will cost more than others, with porcelain dental AND white gold fillings costing the most.

The cost of tooth fillings will likely vary from clinic to clinic. However, at Eye & Dental Clinic, the cost of one amalgam filling is £100 for one surface, £120 for two surfaces, or £140 for three surfaces. Our composite fillings cost slightly more, at £12 for one surface, £140 for two surfaces, and £160 for three surfaces.

In the case where extractions are necessary, our costs start at £100 for central and lateral incisors and go up to £160 for first and second molars. Wisdom tooth extraction costs more.

Types of tooth fillings

Permanent fillings can be made out of different materials such as porcelain, gold, silver, amalgam, or composite fillings. However, temporary fillings can be intermediate restorative materials, glass ionomers, zinc phosphate cement, Cavit, or zinc oxide eugenol.

These materials will fill the hole in your teeth and alleviate the pain while preventing any more damage from occurring. However, if you have cavities that have reached the pulp inside your teeth, they will likely need to be extracted to prevent further pain.

What is the process for a tooth filling?

The first thing that will happen when you need to get a filling is an assessment. Here, we will work to understand all of your particular needs and make sure that we fully understand the scenario. Your dentist will see how much damage has been done to your teeth and see how suitable fillings will be, and which ones will work best for you.

As you go through the pre-procedure assessment, your dentist should be explaining everything as well as possible to ensure that you can make an informed decision. During this first step, you might get a temporary filling put in, which will alleviate pain until you come back for the full procedure.

After the pre-procedure assessment is done, you will move on to the next steps. These might happen on the same day or a different day, depending on how much time your dentist has. When you come back for the filling procedure, we will follow the steps:

1. Pre-numbing gel will be applied to the suitable areas of your mouth where you will need to get the fillings, then you will receive a local anaesthetic injection in these numbed areas.
2. Tooth decay will be removed, usually using a high-speed drill. Other equipment, such as a caries indicator, will also be used to ensure that all the decay has been removed from the cavity and that the area is clean and ready to be filled.
3. The appropriate/chosen filling material will be chosen. This will be whichever filling is the most suitable for the job and within your price range. The most popular type of fillings are composite fillings, which are tooth coloured and very discreet.
4. The filling material will be placed where it needs to be. The method depends on which material is being used, as some will need to be applied one layer at a time, while others can be ‘bulk filled’ thanks to recent advancements.
5. Setting the filling. Again, this will depend on the material chosen. Some materials (such as composite fillings) will require an LED curing light, but others, like amalgam, will not
6. Bite alignment and adjustments to ensure that there is no discomfort. Articulating paper will be used to visualise your bite, and any necessary adjustments can be made to ensure that your bite is comfortable.
7. Polish the teeth and add the finishing touches – the filling will be polished to be nice and glossy, so that it matches your teeth

How soon after getting a tooth filling can you eat?

After you get your filling, you shouldn’t eat for a few hours (anywhere between 2–14), depending on the type of filling. Amalgam fillings need lots of time to properly set, while composite fillings will be ready to use as soon as you walk out, thanks to them being cured.

Visit Eye & Dental Clinic

Whatever dental work you need done, you can check our list of procedure costs to find out how much various procedures we offer will cost you. Prices range from as little as £10 to starting costs of £3,745.00 for things like Invisalign. By signing up for dental plans, you can save money and feel better knowing that you can get treatment when you need it.

At Eye & Dental Clinic, we offer general dentistry and checkups for your everyday needs, as well as teeth straightening, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and crowns and bridges procedures.

Additional services we offer include:

• Fillings.
• X-rays.
• Dental implants.
• Repairs.
• Veneers.
• Composite bonding.
• Dentures.

So, what is the process for a tooth filling? It can be broken down into eight simple steps: the pre-procedure assessment, numbing, decay removal, picking the filling, placing the filling, setting the material, bite alignment, and finally, the finishing touches.

Hopefully, you feel more at ease about getting a filling now that you know what happens during the process, so don’t put off your next trip to the clinic.

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