Dental Fillings In Darch

Patients who are experiencing any of the following symptoms of large cavities may need dental fillings:

• Recurring toothaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Tooth holes without reaching the pulp
• Tooth discolouration

It usually takes no more than 20 minutes to complete a basic filling. A more substantial filling or several fillings may require more time. Depending on the materials used in the dental filling procedure, it may take longer or require an additional appointment.

Your dentist will first use local anaesthesia to numb the area around your teeth. If the decay is contained to the tooth’s surface, it may not be necessary to administer anaesthesia. Your dentist can remove the decayed enamel without causing you any discomfort.

Your dentist will carefully remove decay after the anaesthetic has taken effect, using a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument. In order to ensure that the prepared cavity is ready for filling material, they will check the hole size and shape and thoroughly clean it. This will ensure there are no bacteria.

Next, your dentist will carefully fill the cavity with dental filling material in the next step. In this phase, the steps vary depending on which type of tooth-filling material will be used for each individual. 

A dental amalgam filling is made by mixing all the materials just before they are pressed into place by your dentist. Within a few minutes, the filling will harden. A tooth-coloured filling requires an additional process. The composite resin fillings will be layered over the surface of the tooth. A special light cures the layers, causing them to bond to the tooth structure and provide support. 

During this stage, if you are receiving indirect fillings, gold inlays or porcelain inlays, your dentist will make moulds of your teeth, which will then be sent to a dental lab for fabrication. While your permanent fillings are being prepared, you’ll receive a temporary filling. Permanent fillings will then be placed at a second appointment as soon as they are ready.

As a final step, your dentist will shape your teeth so that they resemble your original teeth as closely as possible, remove any excess material, and polish the final restoration.

Fillings can be made from various materials. These include composite resin, silver amalgam, porcelain, and gold. Your dentist will usually recommend the best material for you. 

Although each filling material has advantages and disadvantages, they are considered safe. Even silver amalgam, which contains mercury mixed with silver, copper, tin, and zinc, is considered safe by the Australian Dental Association. However, they also recommend limiting their use in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and people with kidney disease.

Dental fillings are associated with the following risks and complications:

• There is a possibility of other teeth being damaged during the filling procedure.
  
  
• You may feel tooth sensitivity to heat or cold in the weeks following the procedure.
  
  
• An allergic reaction to anaesthesia or filling material and injury to nerves or blood vessels are possible complications.
  
  
• Due to changes in temperature, silver amalgam fillings can expand and contract over time, eventually damaging and weakening the surrounding tooth structure.
  
  
• It is possible for the pulp of a damaged tooth to become infected if the decayed tissue is not removed completely.
  
  
• Dental fillings can wear away, chip, or break under the constant pressure of biting, chewing, grinding, or clenching.

You may be able to prevent your filling from becoming loose or falling out by taking the following precautions:

• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Keep up with regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist.
• Refrain from chewing on hard foods.
• Stay away from sugary drinks and foods.
• Limit your consumption of sticky foods.
• If you grind your teeth while sleeping, wear a night mouthguard.

Dental filling costs vary depending on the materials used, the location of the tooth that requires work, and the degree of complexity. Fillings usually cost $150 to $300, and more complex fillings may cost up to $400 depending on your case. Our dentists can provide you with the estimated cost during your dental appointment.