Of all the people over the age of 20, approximately 90% of them have had at least one cavity. In other words, if you haven't had a cavity yet, there's a good chance that you will eventually. 



As such, you might be wondering: what does cavity filling entail? What occurs during dental fillings? We're going to discuss that and more below, informing you of exactly what occurs during cavity filling. 

What Are Dental Fillings?

Types of Fillings for Cavities

As noted, during a dental filling, the dentist puts a synthetic substance inside the tooth. There are a few different filling material options that you can utilize. These include the following:

Silver Amalgam

Silver amalgam is a metallic filling that's quite popular amongst patients the world over. The reason for this? It's affordable. 

The downside, however, is that it's glaringly obvious when inside the tooth. Therefore, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing.

In addition, silver amalgam fillings can change size when temperatures change, resulting in prematurely cracked teeth as well as undue tooth decay. 

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are on the expensive side. However, they're of exceedingly high quality. Not only do they look great (they're almost impossible to notice) but they're also extremely durable. 

One potential downside to these is that they're a little more brittle than other options. As such, when used for small cavities, they have the potential to break down prematurely. 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are extremely popular, as they both look great and are still quite affordable. They're matched to the color of the patient's teeth, making them almost impossible to notice after application. 

Note, though, that they tend to break down after around 10 years. Therefore, they're not the most durable option in existence. 

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings consist of both acrylic and glass. They're made primarily for children, as they're built to release fluoride into growing teeth over time. They typically only last for a few years and then need to be replaced with a more permanent option. 

The Cavity Filling Process

Now, let's discuss what the cavity-filling process itself entails. Generally speaking, it includes the following: 

Discovery of Cavities

Cavities are generally discovered at routine dental checkups. Either your dentist will discover the cavity with their naked eye or they'll detect it through dental x-rays. 

Cavities can exist in both the centers of teeth and at their edges. Note, though, that not all cavities are big enough to justify a filling. In some cases, you can mitigate their damage by establishing a better course of oral hygiene (ie. proper brushing and flossing). 

Numbing the Teeth and Gums

If the dentist does discover cavities, a filling appointment will be scheduled. When you arrive at this appointment, your teeth and gums will be numbed so that you can't feel any pain during the procedure. 

First, a substance will be applied to your teeth and gums that numbs them externally. Once that's been applied, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the gums, ensuring that the teeth and gums remain numb throughout the procedure. 

Suctioning Out Saliva

In order for the dentist to fill the cavity correctly, the teeth must be cleared of any and all saliva. To ensure that it is, your dentist will first place a dental prop into your mouth. This keeps your mouth open throughout the procedure. 

After that, they'll apply a suction device. This device continuously clears saliva, creating a dry environment. 

Drilling the Cavity

Next, your dentist will drill out the decayed parts of your tooth. This stops the spread of decay and ensures that the cavity doesn't come back. In most cases, drilling takes no more than a few minutes. 

Filling the Cavity

After the cavity has been cleared out entirely, your dentist will fill it with a synthetic filling. We've reviewed these above. 

Depending on the type of filling that you use, it might need time to set or cure. For instance, composite fillings typically need to be cured with the help of laser dentistry devices. 

Recovering

A dental filling is not a hugely invasive procedure. However, it's not a walk in the park either. It will result in pain and will have you feeling some discomfort afterwards. 

When you leave your appointment, your mouth will likely remain numb for a few more hours. After that, you're likely to experience pain in your teeth, gums, and jaws. 

You can reduce this pain with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen, for example, will make a substantial difference in pain. 



You should also ice your jaw, as it will help to reduce pain and swelling. Do this 15 minutes at a time 2 to 3 times a day and your pain should subside within 2 to 3 days. 

Looking for a Dentist in Hampton VA?

Do you need dental fillings? Looking for a dentist in Hampton VA? If so, look no further than LeJeune Family Dentistry. 

Our dental professionals have filled countless cavities for countless patients throughout the Hampton area. Regardless of the extent of your cavities, we have you covered. 



Contact us today to schedule an appointment!