If you’re like most people, you’ve probably had a tooth filling at some point in your life. This treatment is one of the most popular dental services out there.

In this post, we’ll explain how tooth fillings work, including what you can expect during this common dental procedure.

What Is a Tooth Filling?

Tooth fillings are used to treat cavities. Dentists add filling material to teeth after removing decay. Fillings can also be used to repair chips and cracks on teeth. There are two types of fillings; direct and indirect. Direct fillings are placed in one office visit, while indirect fillings usually require two appointments. This is because indirect fillings are designed in a laboratory, while direct fillings have materials that are applied directly to the treatment area. Materials used for direct fillings include amalgam, resin composite, and glass ionomer. Indirect fillings consist of materials like gold and porcelain.

Looking for a tooth filling in Tampa, FL? Reach out to Elevate Smiles Dental today! We can fix your cavity right away!

How Tooth Fillings Work

Receiving a dental filling is a quick, painless process. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:

Your dentist will:

1. Numb the tooth using local anesthesia.
2. Use special tools to remove decayed or damaged tissues on the tooth.
3. Fill the empty space with filling material.
4. Use a special curing light to harden the material (only for resin composite).
5. Smooth and polish the tooth as needed.
6. Have you bite down to ensure everything feels normal.

After treatment, you may notice immediate improvement in your symptoms (if you had any beforehand). You may have some minor tooth sensitivity and soreness, but this should subside in about a week or so.

Elevate Smiles Dental is here to take your dental health to new heights! Call us today to work with the leading dentist in Tampa, FL!