Most adults will have one or more dental fillings in their lifetime. Even though it’s a common dental procedure, you may feel anxious about it. Luckily, knowing what your options are and what to expect can alleviate your anxiety. Below, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about fillings.

4 Answers to Dental Filling FAQ

1. What Types of Fillings Are Available?

The most common types of fillings are silver and ceramic. Silver or amalgam fillings are strong and often used in molars. Ceramic fillings can be made to resemble one’s natural tooth color, which is why they’re usually used for front teeth.

2. How Does the Process Work?

After discovering a cavity, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will remove the decayed portion of the tooth with a drill. After the area is cleaned out, the tooth is filled with a silver or ceramic filing. The last step involves shaping the filling to restore the structure of the tooth and adjusting the height of the filling for a proper bite.

3. Do I Need a Filling?

During your checkup, the dentist will use a small mirror to examine your teeth. They may detect a cavity visually or with the help of an X-ray. Depending on the severity of the decay, your dentist will choose the appropriate treatment. It could be a filling or a crown, but if the area of decay is small, the dentist may also opt to wait and see how it progresses.

4. Does It Hurt Afterwards?

When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some mild pain for a day or two. It’s also possible that your tooth will be sensitive to heat and cold for a few days. In most cases, everything will go back to normal within three days. If you’re still suffering from a toothache after that, give your dentist a call.

Getting a tooth filling doesn’t have to be a big deal. Ronald L. Rasmussen DDS has extensive experience treating patients of all ages. Compassion lies at the heart of his gentle approach to dentistry. This dentist and his team have the treatment options you need, and they accept new patients year-round. Visit the website for more information, or call (916) 689-1100 to make an appointment at their office in Sacramento, CA.