What You Should Know About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings rarely start with a patient that is looking for their teeth to get a filling, despite the fact that the gold fillings do look very snazzy. The reality is that most patients come in for a regularly scheduled checkup and we find that there are sufficient wear and tear. Thus, the tooth requires a filling to keep the tooth viable. Occasionally, although rare these days, will we get a patient who is young or lucky with great teeth and has no idea what a filling is or why it is necessary.

Dental Check-ups and Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a material that replaces damaged tooth enamel or a tooth that has a cavity. At other times, we will find what is known as a soft spot, where the enamel has almost given way to a cavity but not quite. We prefer to fill these as well since it is only a matter of time before the decay breaks through. Considering that a dental filling usually starts with an examination, we cannot stress enough the importance of coming in for regular checkups. The best rule of thumb is to try and make an appointment at least twice a year, which allows us to find things like soft spots or identify areas that have excessive plaque buildup. Regular appointments allows North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to help prevent these issues from damaging patient's teeth.

Taking care of a dental filling

The first thing we do with a filling is to numb the area around the tooth so that the patient does not feel any discomfort. We mainly use an application of local anesthetic directly into the gums to numb the mouth. Once the patient's mouth is numb, he or she will not feel any discomfort besides a little pressure as we work on the teeth. In order to make sure that we get rid of all the decay and that the decay has no chance of spreading or coming back, we will shave off all the portions of the tooth that have decay. While the dentist is removing this bad enamel, we will also take the opportunity to shape where the cavity had been so that it is a good shape for a filling. This will allow the filling itself to be more secure. From this point on, the tooth is ready to receive the filling. We will make any specific preparations to the patient's needs before placing the filling. A bonded filling, for example, we need to etch the tooth whereas some fillings require resin. If a resin is used, we apply it and then use the cool blue light to harden and strengthen it. [recent-blogs count=4 layout="horizontal" category="composite-fillings-cat,routine-dental-care-cat,routine-dental-procedures-cat,cosmetic-dental-care-cat,cosmetic-dental-services-cat,cosmetic-dentist-cat,dental-cosmetics-cat"]
How to Remove Coffee Stains from Teeth

How to Remove Coffee Stains from Teeth

TLDR; Coffee stains teeth because it contains tannins that bind to enamel. You can remove these stains with at-home remedies like baking soda or activated charcoal, or through professional treatments such as in-office whitening. Prevent stains by rinsing after drinking coffee and maintaining good oral hygiene. Why Does Coffee Stain Teeth? Coffee contains tannins—natural compounds […]

Can You Drink Coffee After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Can You Drink Coffee After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR; No, you should not drink coffee immediately after wisdom teeth removal. It’s safest to avoid it for the first 3 days to prevent complications like dry socket. After that, you may gradually reintroduce lukewarm, non-acidic coffee depending on your healing progress and your dentist’s advice. Coffee After Oral Surgery: What You Need to Know […]

How Bad Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Anesthesia?

How Bad Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Anesthesia?

TLDR; Wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia is extremely painful and not recommended for most people. You’ll feel every incision, pull, and twist during the procedure, which can lead to physical trauma and psychological stress, along with serious recovery complications. What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why They’re Removed Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge between […]

When Can I Brush My Teeth After a Tooth Extraction?

When Can I Brush My Teeth After a Tooth Extraction?

TLDR; You can start brushing your teeth 24 hours after a tooth extraction—but avoid the extraction site. Use a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm salt water to promote healing and avoid complications like dry socket. Why Oral Hygiene Still Matters After a Tooth Extraction Maintaining oral hygiene—even after an extraction—is vital for healing. Avoiding […]

Is Tooth Extraction Necessary with Braces? Understanding When and Why It’s Done

Is Tooth Extraction Necessary with Braces? Understanding When and Why It’s Done

TLDR; Yes, tooth extraction is sometimes necessary with braces, especially when there’s severe crowding, bite issues, or jaw misalignment. However, it’s not required for every patient—modern orthodontic treatments offer alternatives that may avoid extractions altogether. Why Teeth Might Be Extracted During Braces Treatment Tooth extraction is often part of a comprehensive orthodontic plan when a […]

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Surgery Take?

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Surgery Take?

TLDR; Wisdom teeth surgery typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how many teeth are being removed and their complexity. A simple extraction of one erupted tooth may take as little as 20 minutes, while removing four impacted wisdom teeth could stretch the procedure to over an hour. What Is Wisdom Teeth Surgery […]

General Question

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Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast