How Are Fillings Done?

The extent of a filling procedure, as well as the method used, will be determined by several factors involving the nature of the damage, how severe it is, and the location. The most common type of filling is a cavity filling, though cracked and broken teeth can also be filled. The location of the filling will vary as well.

The dentist will begin by assessing the area to determine the extent of the damage. Once this is complete, the dentist will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. The dentist will then begin removing the damaged portion of the tooth by using either a drill, laser, or another dental instrument, depending on the dentist’s comfort level and the position of the damage.

Once the majority of the damaged area has been removed, the dentist will inspect the area, suction out the remainder of the debris, and clean the area of bacteria and germs.

The dentist fills cavities and other tooth damage with a special material that mimics the consistency of normal teeth. This is done in a multilayered process that involves filling a portion of the tooth and curing the filling material so that it hardens in place.

In cases where the damage is near the nerve of the tooth, the dentist may need to put in a special protective barrier that prevents the nerve from being exposed and damaged any further.

Once the initial filing process is complete, the dentist will then begin to shape and contour the materials to fit the desired shape of the tooth and conclude the process by polishing the tooth and the filling material to a uniform finish.

Fillings are a routine procedure that helps to restore function to damaged teeth. Now that you know how the process works, we hope you’ll be much more comfortable the next time you need a filling done by a dentist near you.