The Sunday News
Fillings
GREETINGS to all the frequent Health Care column readers as Valentine’s Day approaches, I would like wish everybody the best that love has to offer. May your loved ones remember you on this love filled day, I know many ladies and perhaps gentlemen will be receiving all sorts of delicious sweets and treats on that day. Today’s article will focus on the main method of treatment for the decay of teeth caused by excessive sweet consumption.
I will explain what a filling is, why it is done, what to expect when you get a filling and instructions for after filling procedure.
Definition
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.
Indications: Why and when a filling should be done?
Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. During a checkup, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth.Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments. Your dentist may also X-ray your entire mouth or a section of it. The type of treatment your dentist chooses will depend on the extent of damage caused by decay.
The following are some symptoms you may experience if you have tooth decay:
— Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
— Change in colour of teeth initially chalky white, then brown and eventually black
— A hole in any tooth where food debris gets stuck
— Tooth pain or sensitivity to sweet and sour food
— Tooth pain or sensitivity during chewing
The Procedure
1 Local anaesthesia — at the beginning of your filling procedure, you may be given local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, this depends on how deep the cavity is and also on individual patient pain and discomfort threshold levels.
2 Tooth decay removal — then the dentist will cut through the enamel (outer hard tooth surface) using a drill to remove any decay. After the dentist removes the decay, the dentist will shape the space to ready it for the filling.
3 Etching — for a bonded filling your dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling, this step may be absent as dentists may use different materials for a filling and not all require etching.
4 Resin application — for certain types of fillings the dentist will layer on the resin and harden it using a bright light. This makes it strong and solidifies it. During this stage patient is advised to close their eyes as the light used for this stage is harmful to the naked eye.
5 Polishing — after the filling has been placed, your dentist will polish the tooth and the filling making sure that the proper tooth shape and morphology has been made, your dentist may also ask you to grind your teeth to make sure that the filling does not feel unnatural.
After the procedure
After you get a filling in one or more of your teeth, soreness and tooth sensitivity may persist for hours, or even days after you leave the dentist’s office. This can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
Chew slowly and bite lightly: Biting exerts tremendous pressure on the teeth, and this can make them very sore after you get a filling. When chewing your food, take your time and try not to bite all the way through; this will prevent your teeth from making forceful contact. If possible, chew on the opposite side of the mouth from where your filling is.
Keep your mouth closed when chewing: For some people, even cold air can trigger pain in sensitive teeth.
Skip sticky foods: Some fillings, particularly silver (amalgam) ones, take time to set after you leave the dentist’s office. Eating sticky or gummy food can, in rare cases, dislodge a new filling, so it’s best to avoid them in the short-term.
Avoid very hot or cold drinks: Moderate temperatures are less likely to trigger pain in sensitive teeth.
Pass on the sweets: Sugary foods and soft drinks trigger sensitivity in some and may promote bacterial growth around the edges of, or even under, a new filling.
Don’t chew nuts, hard candy, or ice: In addition to causing undue pressure on your teeth while they are still recovering, biting hard foods can dislodge a fresh filling that hasn’t yet properly set. This is especially important for silver (amalgam) fillings, as they take longer to set than composite (tooth-coloured) fillings.
Always follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding chewing tips, what foods to avoid after your procedure, and how long you should wait to eat solid foods after receiving softer filling materials, such as amalgam.
If your teeth remain sensitive for several weeks after a filling, or if pain increases rather than decreases over time, consult with your dentist to explore the causes and possible solutions.
Kimberley Eve Nyathi
Final year student BDS
Lviv National Medical University
