Most of us have had to visit our dentist to fill a cavity or maybe even two. We probably didn’t even give much consideration to the process, but what really does happen in order to fill our cavities? Next time you need to make the dreadful trip to fix a cavity, why not be prepared and know what’s all happening inside your mouth?
Dental Fillings – A 5-Step Process
- Numbing the tooth. To avoid any pain and/or discomfort, the dentist will apply a topical gel to the gum. To further avoid pain, an anesthetic injection will be released in the area of the gum tissue. This helps to numb the area being worked on.
- Removing decay. After the area is completely numb, your dentist will use a drill to eliminate any decay and unneeded dental enamel. Your dentist will then switch to a slower drill when working near the dentin, which is softer than enamel.
- Preparing the tooth. Your dentist will then prepare the tooth by shaping it to get ready for the filling. We will avoid any unnecessary filing of your teeth.
- Filling the tooth. Before placing the filling, your dentist will prepare an acid gel on the tooth. This will help strengthen the bond between the tooth and the material.
- Checking dental bite. Your dentist will place a piece of carbon paper in your mouth for you to bite down on. This helps the dentist catch sight of any areas that might cause trouble for your bite in the future.
Knowing ahead of time the exact process helps to eliminate any tense feelings you may encounter before your procedure. We are confident you will feel at ease with our dentists at Dental Care of Morristown. Call us today to schedule your next appointment!