Dental fillings are performed to repair tooth cavities. It basically stops the cavity from spreading to the surrounding teeth and gums, preventing tooth decay and further fractures. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything about dental fillings, including the surgical instruments used during the procedure, filling types, and more. 

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for your next dental appointment. 

So, without further ado, let’s begin… 

An Overview of Dental Fillings 

Dental fillings refer to the procedure of filling small holes in teeth with artificial material. 

Dentists use these procedures to fix cracks and treat decayed teeth. These procedures are performed to preserve the structure of teeth in order to maintain good oral health. 

To effectively fill the cavities, the dentist first removes the damaged or decayed tooth structure and cleans the area to fill it with the cavity. 

Types of Dental Fillings 

Different types of dental fillings accommodate the diverse needs of patients. The most common materials used for dental fillings are: 

• Amalgam: One of the oldest cavity fillings, amalgam, has been used for a century. These strong fillings are ideal for teeth located in the back and used for chewing, i.e., molars. 
• Composite: These fillings are manufactured from quartz and glass materials that can be tweaked to the color of your tooth. Dentists prefer these fillings to restore smaller or medium-sized tooth decay and chips (where moderate chewing happens).  
• Ceramic: Typically manufactured from porcelain, ceramic fillings are one of the most expensive options. They offer enhanced aesthetics by closely matching your natural teeth color. In addition, they don’t show stains with the passage of time, making them ideal for front teeth, premolars, and molars as well. 
• Metal: The two main types of metal fillings are gold and silver. Gold fillings can be expensive because of their visual appeal. On the other hand, silver fillings are cost-effective and can last for 10-15 years if cared for properly. 
• Glass Ionomer: These types of fillings are manufactured with a blend of acrylic and glass. As compared to the above filling types, these fillings are less durable and typically last for 5 years only.   

Depending on your dentist’s recommendation, you can choose any of the above filling types that best suit your needs. 

Which Dental Surgical Instruments Are Used for the Procedure?  

Dentists use high-quality and specialized dental surgical instruments for filling procedures. Here is the list: 

• Mouth Mirror: This dentistry instrument is used to view cavities within the mouth. 
• Probes: These instruments feature dental pointed tips used for exploring the cavity or decay. 
• High-speed handpiece: This is a premium-grade instrument used for removing decay. Burs are attached to high-speed instruments. 
• Trimming Oral Instrument: Different types of instruments are used to shape the filling and improve the overall aesthetics. 

Pain Level of Cavity Fillings 

Dental fillings are usually painless. However, you might feel anxious because of the drilling. Dentists inject anesthesia into the gums of infected teeth and numb the area so you won’t feel anything at all.  

The pain level when getting cavity fillings is generally minimal due to the use of local anesthesia. The numbing process ensures that the most uncomfortable part of the procedure, such as drilling, is virtually painless.

According to this dentist in Virginia Beach VA, you may feel slight pressure or vibrations from the dental tools, but no sharp pain. After the anesthesia wears off, some patients might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity around the treated area, but this usually subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.

What’s the Average Cost of Dental Fillings? 

The average cost of a dental filling typically depends on the filling type, clinic location, and dentist experience. 

Here is an overview of the average cost of each dental type: 

Winding Up! 

Dental fillings are the most common types of procedures that have been performed for centuries. 

It’s one of the safest and most effective procedures for restoring teeth’ functionality and aesthetics. 

Dentists use basic surgical instruments and dental drills to fill teeth. Make sure to inquire about the quality and sterilization procedures of instruments before scheduling an appointment with your dentist. 

FAQs 

Is dental filling painful?

Dentists often inject anesthesia into the targeted area before starting the filling procedures, which helps minimize the pain level. 

Which type of dental filling should I choose for my back teeth? 

As most of the chewing happens on the back (molar) teeth, it’s important to choose a strong filling material for your molar teeth. You can choose amalgam, a strong filling that can last for years.