Cottonwood Heights, Utah Dentists

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Fillings

The tooth must first be prepared to receive a filling. The dentist will drill around the cavity to make a cleaner working area. Etchant ("etch") is placed in the hole, making the enamel slightly rough. This prepares the tooth for bonding (gluing). Once the bonding agent is placed along the surface of the cavity, it is cured with a special light to harden it. Dental composite will then be used to fill the majority of the cavity. The composite will also be cured with a special light. The last step is drilling. The dentist will drill around the composite until it conforms to the natural shape of your tooth.

After receiving a filling, pay attention to your bite. If the bite surface of your tooth seems higher than usual, your dentist may need to remove some excess composite from the top of your filling. If it doesn't feel right, you should mention it to your dentist.

If your filling feels sensitive, check for cracks in the filling surface. Cracks may cause pain and possibly damage to the tooth. Even a hairline fracture can lead to a fracture in the original tooth structure, causing irritation to the nerve endings. It is important to have this checked before it causes infection.

Fillings usually take 30 minutes or less to complete. Depending on the location of the cavity, you may not require anesthesia. If you need multiple cavities filled, plan on about 15 minutes for each additional tooth.