If you have a cavity to be filled, you may wonder where you can find painless dental fillings in Webster. Our experienced dental team can complete this routine procedure quickly and without discomfort. Here, we break down the process stepwise to help you feel confident when arriving for your dental filling appointment. Empire Dental Care is dedicated to providing you with comfortable, quality dental fillings.
Why Do I Need a Filling?
A dental filling is recommended to address a cavity in the tooth. Cavities are areas of tooth decay caused by bacteria buildup on the tooth surface. The mouth is a warm, wet environment that promotes the growth of bacteria. Each time we eat or drink, food particles feed these germs. Dental cavities can occur on any part of the tooth, however, they are most common between teeth where food particles can get missed during brushing. [1]
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is exactly what the name implies: a means of filling the hole left by tooth decay. Fillings stop the bacteria from further damaging the tooth. Without a dental filling, tooth decay will worsen and may cause significant dental issues. If left without treatment, the bacteria can travel through the tooth layers to the pulp, creating an infection. Dental infections are not only painful but can endanger your life if not addressed. [1] Fortunately, a simple filling at the onset of a cavity can help you prevent any serious dental problems.
What to Expect During a Dental Fillings in Webster
When you arrive for your filling appointment, Dr. Cohen can answer any question you may have prior to the procedure to put your mind at ease.
Dr. Cohen will begin by administering a local anesthetic, or numbing agent, to make the process as comfortable as possible. Your gums, teeth, and jaw will be numb to ensure a painless experience. The local anesthetic will not make you drowsy.
Once you are fully numb and comfortable, Dr. Cohen will remove the decay from the tooth. She will gently clean the tooth to prevent future cavities, then fill the area with a composite filling material. Empire Dental Care uses a durable composite material that will match your natural tooth’s color and blend in completely.
After the filling is complete, our expert team will confirm that the filling material is smooth and doesn’t interfere with your bite.
You will be free to go home shortly after the procedure and expect the numbing agent to wear off after a few hours.
Cavity Filling Aftercare
- Eating/Chewing: It’s important to be careful when eating or chewing for the first few hours after a dental filling. This is primarily due to the numbing agent, as you’ll want to avoid biting your tongue, lips, or inner cheek. Do not eat until your numbing wears off completely.
- Avoid hard/sticky foods: The durable filling material does need a few days to cure completely, therefore you should initially avoid excessively sticky or hard foods.
- Sensitivity: You may experience some sensitivity around the tooth after having a dental filling, which is not uncommon. Avoid extremely hot, cold, or acidic liquids or foods. The sensitivity should resolve after a few weeks. If it persists, contact our office.
- Maintain oral health: Continue your oral health routine at home, including gentle brushing twice daily and soft flossing twice daily.
Empire Dental Care: Your Best Choice for Dental Fillings in Webster
If you worry that you may have a dental cavity or have been notified that you should have one filled, Empire Dental Care can help. Dr. Cohen and her qualified team aim to make your visit as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions regarding dental fillings or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today or call us at 585-671-1650. Our qualified dental team will be happy to answer your questions to ease your mind.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-do-we-prevent-cavities
