Tooth decay or breakage due to injury can expose a tooth’s nerve endings, which can result in random bursts of agonizing tooth pain. The most common method to prevent nerve exposure is dental fillings. Don’t let tooth pain impact your life; come to South Melbourne Dental smiles for high-quality and reliable tooth fillings in South Melbourne.
What Are Dental Fillings and How Do They Work?
A dental filling is a common dental care practice wherein a dentist repairs a damaged tooth by cleaning it, removing any decay, and restoring it to its original appearance and shape. When there’s a hole in your tooth, exposing a nerve, the pain can be unbearable. If you don’t handle the situation quickly, the problem will escalate and require more complex remedies.
Fillings reverse the decay and keep bacteria from entering teeth. They can consist of several different materials, including
- Dental amalgam: A mix of soft alloys that look silver and hardens in the tooth
- Composite resin: A soft, tooth-coloured resin that hardens in the tooth
- Glass ionomer: A mix of acrylic and glass that chemically bonds to the tooth
- Gold: Strong and durable, but rarely used since amalgam fillings are significantly cheaper
- Porcelain: Used for onlays or inlays when a large portion of the tooth structure is gone
What Is the Dental Filling Procedure?
Before the procedure, your dentist meets with you for a consultation and discusses the process so you know what to expect. Filling procedures vary depending on location and the level of damage to the tooth. The dentist then inspects your teeth to find trouble spots that need filling, sometimes with X-rays.
When the procedure begins, your dentist uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Next, they use a small high-speed drill to cut into the enamel to remove any tooth decay. Then, a slow drill or laser removes the decay in the tooth’s second layer.
Once the dentist removes the decay, they fill and seal the tooth. If you want to know more about the procedure for a tooth filling in South Melbourne, contact our office.
Instructions Following the Filling Procedure
Following the procedure, the anaesthetic will take some time to wear off; be careful not to bite your lips or cheeks in the meantime. Composite fillings will set immediately, so there’s no need to worry about chewing with them. However, amalgam fillings take some time to set, so it’s best to avoid biting or chewing in that area for a day.
With any new fillings, stay away from chewy, sticky, and hard foods.
Why Choose South Melbourne Dental Smiles For Tooth Fillings?
Our team of licenced and trained dental care professionals has years of experience helping children and adults navigate the process of getting dental fillings. We know that the thought of drilling into your teeth can be scary, and we’re here to make you feel safe.
For peace of mind and a great experience, get your tooth filling at South Melbourne Dental Smiles. Call us at (03) 9645 7888 to schedule your appointment today!
Contact Us!
For the most attentive and gentle dental professionals in South Melbourne, call South Melbourne Dental Smiles. With over 30 years of experience, Dr Selers knows the best methods and tools to use for every dental procedure. We know dental visits are not anyone’s favourite activity, but we strive to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Contact our team at South Melbourne Dental Smiles when you need a professional tooth filling in South Melbourne.