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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.
We'll discuss 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!
As a sort of corrective dental care, the procedure for a dental filling is performed to fix tiny fractures or deterioration in the teeth.
How Does the Cavity Filling Procedure Work?
A dental filling can help to level the tooth's surface and enhance the jaw's ability to bite and eat.
The implantation of a dental filling can greatly alleviate the sensitivity that many patients with tooth decay experience as a result of enamel loss.
In order to increase the patient's comfort throughout the surgery, a local anaesthetic is initially administered to the area around the damaged tooth to make it numb.
The broken or rotting tooth should next have the surrounding areas cleaned and ready for restoration.
The tooth's damaged areas may be removed using a laser or a dental handpiece. In order to get rid of any leftover bacteria or debris, the region is cleaned with an acid gel. The filling material is then applied to the area to fill the cavity.
To prevent any interference by permitting moisture in the bonding process of the composite restoration, the damaged tooth must be isolated before the placement of a composite filling.
Various adhesives are applied prior to the composite material for this to happen. A specialised bonding light can then be used to solidify the composite material.
The dental filling operation can be finalized by polishing the completed tooth.
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 of time.
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
Deep tooth decay and symptoms such as increased sensitivity, prolonged tooth pain, and oral infection are the most typically reported sequelae of an untreated decayed tooth.
Tooth loss can occur if a cavity is left untreated for an extended period of time and the tooth's root is weakened.
The loss of a tooth is an unavoidable consequence of an untreated cavity. While people can keep the cavity from deteriorating for a while, it eventually compromises the root of the tooth, causing it to become loose and no longer fit in the socket.
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.
