Dental Fillings in Perth

It usually takes around an hour to fill a tooth. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the size and location of the cavity, the type of filling material used, and the dental professional’s techniques.

The duration of your treatment may be shorter or longer than this. Hence, it’s essential to consult a dentist to get additional information about the estimated duration of your dental filling treatment. They can provide an estimate based on your unique case. It’s worth noting that larger or more complex cavities may take longer to fill.

A tooth filling procedure involves several steps, depending on the type of filling. Generally, the steps of the dental filling process include the following:

• Numbing the area:

  Your dentist will first numb the area around your tooth with a local anaesthetic. If the decay is limited to the enamel surface, they may not need to administer anaesthesia.

• Removal of the decayed tooth structure:

  As soon as the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a dental drill or an air abrasion instrument.

• Cleaning the cavity:

  Afterwards, your dentist will thoroughly clean the cavity to remove bacteria and debris. This helps prepare the tooth for the filling and reduces the risk of future decay.

• Placing the filling:

  The dentist will then carefully fill the cavity with the appropriate dental filling material to restore the tooth’s shape and function. In cases where composite resin filling is used, a special curing light is used to harden the material.

• Shaping and polishing:

  After the tooth-coloured filling material is in place, the dentist shapes and polishes it to remove excess material and align it properly with your bite. This step also helps make the filling feel natural and smooth.

If you have any questions or concerns about the dental filling procedure, your dentist can provide specific details during a consultation appointment. They can explain the steps involved, discuss the types of filling materials available, and address any personal considerations or preferences you may have. Scheduling a consultation allows you to receive personalised advice and feel more confident about your dental treatment.

You shouldn’t feel any pain in your filled tooth after the anaesthetic wears off. Nevertheless, the injection site may be sore, and you may experience tooth sensitivity for a few days. Here are some tips to help reduce tooth sensitivity:

• Try chewing on the opposite side for a few days.
• Clean around the filling gently with a toothbrush and floss.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold.
• Don’t eat anything acidic.
• Use desensitizing fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth sensitivity.

Generally, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to check the condition of your tooth fillings, although this might not be required in all cases. Please follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and maintain a healthy diet to avoid adverse health effects. If you experience severe tooth pain after a filling procedure or if your teeth remain sensitive for more than two weeks, make an appointment with your dentist.