Dental Fillings in Knoxville, TN
Dental fillings are perhaps the most popular procedures in dentistry. Patients might not know about crowns, inlays, implants, and others, but almost all of them know about fillings. We can use a filling to fill a dental cavity in a few minutes without inconveniencing the patient.
If a cavity is too big, a filling might not be possible. When that’s the case, we explore other options like inlays, onlays, and crowns. These also serve to protect teeth and repair decay. Fillings are considered the simplest and are used when a dental cavity isn’t too big.
Getting a Filling
Getting a tooth colored dental filling isn’t complicated. We start by numbing the area so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. At most, you’ll only feel some pressure as we move our hands. Next, we have to clean the cavity and remove all infected and dead tissue.
It would be wrong to place the tooth colored filling in an untreated cavity. After the cavity is cleaned, the filling is placed and bonded in place using ultraviolet light to keep it firmly attached. The entire procedure takes less than 30 to 60 minutes.
What to Expect
Fillings are permanent, and you won’t be able to take them out. They should last up to 10 years. Getting a filling isn’t painful, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home.
You’ll be able to eat and drink a few hours after getting a filling. It’s better to wait until the effect of anesthesia wears off, or you might end up biting your lip or tongue because they’ll be numb. You’ll need to continue brushing your teeth and flossing. Contact TLC Dental Care in Knoxville, TN for your next appointment.