Dental Fillings in Kalamunda

Tooth decay is a prevalent dental condition that can cause pain and discomfort. The early symptoms of tooth decay include toothache, tooth sensitivity, and pain when eating or drinking hot and cold foods and beverages. Eventually, you may also notice holes or brown or yellow spots in your teeth as the decay progresses. 

Additionally, you may experience bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth if the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, please schedule an appointment at Hills Family Dental Centre as soon as possible so that we can provide treatment before the problem gets worse.

When a cavity forms, it is essential to have it filled to prevent further damage to the tooth. Dental fillings prevent the cavity from trapping more food debris and bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay and pain. 

The filling material is inert, meaning it will not decompose or cause further damage to the tooth. This material is also dental-grade, meaning it is specifically designed for use in fillings.

A dental filling procedure can be performed fairly quickly and easily. Your dentist will first numb the region around the infected tooth with a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, they will remove any decay from the tooth using a drill. After the decay is removed, they will clean the area and fill it with the filling material. 

Once the filling is in place, they will shape it to match the contours of your tooth and then harden it using a laser or UV light. It can take 20 minutes to an hour to fill a cavity, longer if several cavities need to be filled.

Fillings are one of the most common dentistry procedures, and they offer several benefits:

• They are used to restore tooth structure and function after the tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma.
• Fillings can also prevent further decay, damage, or infection.
• Fillings are usually made of composite resin, which can match the color of natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
• Fillings are cost-effective and usually completed in one dental appointment.

There are different kinds of fillings, and each one has its own lifespan. On average, composite resin fillings can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. Porcelain or ceramic fillings can last for 15 years, while silver fillings (amalgam) can last from 10 to 15 years. Glass ionomer fillings are not as durable as the other dental restoration options but can still last for five years. Gold fillings are the most durable option and can last 15 to 20 years.

After you receive dental fillings, it’s normal to experience some numbness due to the anesthesia. This numbness usually goes away within a few hours. Avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off, or you risk biting your cheek or tongue. 

Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience discomfort, tooth sensitivity, and gum tissue soreness. These sensations usually resolve within a week. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help manage discomfort.

In some cases, you may notice that your bite feels different. Call your dentist if you do not get used to the new bite within a few days. Your dentist may need to make adjustments for your teeth to bite together normally again.

The good news is that most dental health insurance offer coverage for the entire cost of dental fillings or at least partial coverage for the actual cost. General dental extras generally help pay for simple fillings, while complex fillings (such as custom-made porcelain fillings) may need a major dental extras cover. 

It’s always a good idea to check with your health fund before booking an appointment to know what kind of cover you have. That way, you’ll know what to expect and can budget accordingly.