Dental Filling: What Happens When You Get It Done | Carrum Downs

What is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a tooth restorative method that helps in repairing a damaged tooth caused by decay. It brings back such a tooth to its normal function and shape. When you receive dental filling from your dentist, he or she will first remove the decayed part, clean the affected area, and then fill up the cleaned out cavity using a restoration material. This procedure will help prevent any further decay by closing up these spaces or cavitiesthus preventing bacteria from entering.

Why is Dental Filling Necessary?

We try to brush and floss on a daily basis and avoid sugary foods and snacks but sometimes we just can’t seem to avoid tooth decay. According to Australian Dental Association, tooth decay is the number one chronic dental problem among children and adults in Australia. Almost 80% of the population develop cavities even before they attain the age of 17. Tooth enamel is damaged due to improper oral hygiene measures. As much as enamel is the strongest part of the tooth, it can be destroyed by plaque build-up. The plaque will lead to the formation of some holes on the enamel which are also referred to as cavities. If these cavities are left untreated, the affected tooth will be vulnerable to further decay. So, if your dentist diagnoses you with tooth decay and recommends dental filling, make sure you schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

A tooth filling is necessary due to a number of reasons, one it helps reduce teeth sensitivity. Cavities formed by tooth decay are more sensitive to pressure and temperature. If you delay treating a cavity, you may start feeling uncomfortable when you eat hot or cold foods and beverages. If a cavity has gone to the extent that the inner part of the tooth known as the dentine has been exposed, you may experience constant pain and discomfort.

Dental fillings prevent the spread of tooth decay. Without tooth cavity filling, bacteria may continue acting on the tooth thus spreading decay even further. By receiving dental filling as soon as your dentist discovers the cavity, it will only be able to create a small hole that’s easy to fill up. Dental fillings also help in restoring the strength of your tooth. If you do not treat a cavity early enough and you let it grow, it will transform into a bigger hole. As the decay continues, your tooth will become weaker and thinner and at the end, it might result in cracks or chips. In some severe cases, the damage may be more widespread that it may affect the nerve tissue or even spread to the nearby teeth.

Tooth cavity filling also helps in preventing infections. If the cavity will be left untreated, it will continue to develop into an infection. The decay may continue all the way to the tooth pulp. This can cause severe pain and discomfort. To treat such a tooth, you may need extensive procedures such as root canal therapy. Such a procedure is more costly and may require more than one dental visit.