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Nobody enjoys hearing that they have a cavity. It's like finding out you've failed a test you didn't even know you were taking.
But the good news is, getting a cavity filled is not as scary or painful as it may seem. It's a routine dental procedure that millions of people undergo every year.
In this blog, we'll be exploring the world of cavity fillings and breaking down what you can expect during the procedure.
This blog covers the do’s and don’t’s of fillings, how they're done, and what you can do to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
So whether you're facing your first filling or just curious about the process, keep reading to learn more!
How Does the Cavity Filling Procedure Work?
A dental filling helps restore the tooth's surface and enhances the jaw's ability to bite and chew. It can also alleviate sensitivity caused by enamel loss due to tooth decay.
Here’s how the procedure works:
- Anaesthesia: A local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area around the damaged tooth, ensuring the patient's comfort during the procedure.
- Cleaning: The area around the decayed tooth is cleaned and prepared for restoration. Any damaged or decayed parts of the tooth are removed using a laser or dental handpiece.
- Disinfection: The cleaned area is treated with an acid gel to remove any remaining bacteria or debris.
- Isolation: To ensure proper bonding, the tooth is isolated to prevent moisture from interfering with the composite restoration process.
- Application: Various adhesives are applied, followed by the composite filling material. A specialized bonding light is used to harden the composite.
- Polishing: The filled tooth is polished to complete the procedure, ensuring a smooth and natural appearance.
This process effectively restores the tooth's function and appearance while protecting against further decay.
Do's and Don't after the Cavity Filling Treatment
You must be cautious with your diet right after the filling treatment, depending on the type of fillings you receive.
Do’s After Cavity Filling Treatment
- Under ultraviolet light, composite resin fillings instantaneously solidify, allowing you to immediately eat and drink.
- To avoid biting the fragile tissues in your mouth, you must be cautious and wait to eat until the numbing medication wears off.
- You must wait to eat if you have discomfort or swelling until it goes away.
- It takes more time for silver amalgam fillings to solidify. Therefore, it is advised that you wait 24 hours after receiving the fillers before eating any hard foods.
- Foods that require little chewing are acceptable, but complicated and crunchy foods must be avoided.
- After the filling procedure, you might feel mild to moderate discomfort. You can eat whatever you want without experiencing dental sensitivity or irritation when the pain has subsided for 12 hours.
- You can take over-the-counter pain medicines or call your dentist to inspect the filling and make sure no infections are forming if the sensitivity and discomfort last longer than 24 hours.
- Do not delay in calling your dentist if you experience a recurrent toothache as the decay may have already affected your dental pulp. If you want to get rid of the infection, you might need root canal therapy.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth after dental fillings is important. Make sure you brush your teeth properly to get rid of any plaque on them or in between them.
Don'ts After Cavity Filling Treatment
- For up to two weeks, avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods.
- Following a cavity filling, you might avoid foods and beverages that are hot or cold for a few days.
- For up to two weeks, foods that are sticky, firm, or chewy should also be avoided.
- Anything that will make you take big pieces and chew for a long time, like meat, is probably off-limits.
- To avoid illness, you should also stay away from foods with a lot of acids.
- After getting a filling, don't be afraid to clean your teeth or floss.
- Did you know that you can brush your teeth and floss right away after getting a dental filling?
- You ought to be able to maintain the cleanliness of the area as usual as long as you gently brush and meticulously floss around the tooth.
Cost of Cavity Filling Treatment in India
Dental fillings are one of the most effective techniques to cure tooth decay. Many people, however, are ignorant of the costs associated with dental filling activities.
The cost of dental fillings, on the other hand, is determined by the type of tooth filling performed. A dental filling, in fact, can maintain the teeth cavity-free for a longer period.
Cost of Cavity Filling
Cavity filling treatment is one of the most effective treatments to treat tooth decay. The cost of a cavity filling can vary depending on the type of dental filling therapy performed.
On average, a basic silver amalgam filling can cost between 1000 to 1500 INR for a single surface filling in India, while a more extensive filling that covers multiple surfaces can cost between 5000 to 18000 INR.
Consequences of Not Getting a Dental Filling Done
Ignoring a cavity can lead to severe dental issues, including:
- Increased Sensitivity: Untreated tooth decay can cause heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Prolonged Pain: Persistent tooth pain is common as the decay worsens.
- Oral Infection: Decay can lead to infections, which may spread to the gums and surrounding tissues.
- Tooth Loss: If left untreated, the cavity can weaken the tooth's root, leading to tooth loss. Over time, the decay compromises the tooth's structure, causing it to loosen and eventually fall out.
Prompt treatment with a dental filling can prevent these complications, preserving the tooth and maintaining overall oral health.
Conclusion
Getting a cavity filled is a common and necessary dental procedure that can help maintain good oral health.
While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a quick and painless experience.
Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back - take control of your oral health and embrace the process.
