Fillings
How do I know if I need a filling?
In most cases a patient might call or attend with a slight toothache or even sensitivity to pressure, sweet foods and temperatures which is a common sign you may have developed a hole or chip that may need filling. Another of course is visually noticing a chip, tooth wear, dark spots or a missing filling. If this is the case, we recommend you call us on 6224 7666 as soon as possible to ensure the filling doesn’t progress into something more invasive.
What is a filling?
The fillings we offer here are tooth coloured composite fillings. Fillings involve your dentist removing any decay (Bacteria) that has seeped into your tooth, cleaning the affected area and then replacing and filling that space with a tooth coloured composite filling material.
How long will a filling last?
Although your fillings are placed in a warm and bacteria driven environment also known as your mouth! The natural time line we aim for a filling to last is 12 years. However, this can change due to putting stress on your teeth along the way with biting and constant movement. This is another reason why we at Crotty Dental recommend you regularly attend for your 6/ 12 monthly check ups as this allows your dentist to check all the teeth and ensure all your existing fillings are behaving as they should be as well as making sure that no new cavities have started developing.
Will I need to be numb?
If the filling is deep or you have been experiencing sensitivity prior to the appointment in that tooth or just sensitive in general the dentist will most likely place local anaesthetic after applying a topical gel to help numb the area and make the process more comfortable for you. The local should last in your system for roughly up to 4-6 hours after its been applied. If you are unable to have local because of the adrenaline placed in the injection or just don’t like the feeling it gives you please make sure your dentist is aware of this, as we do stock another form of anaesthetic where adrenaline isn’t present.
In some cases, for smaller fillings or upon patient request the dentist will proceed without a form of local anaesthetic.
