What to Expect During a Metal-Free Filling Procedure

Metal-free fillings look like natural teeth, so more people are choosing them when they have cavities. If you are about to get a composite resin filling, you want to know what to expect. What will the procedure be like? What will you feel like once it is over? Get the details, so you will be comfortable when you go to the dentist.

Procedure for metal-free fillings

The entire procedure for getting composite resin fillings takes about 20 minutes. Dentists go through a series of steps to ensure the filling is properly placed and blends in with the natural teeth.

Numbing the mouth

Dentists begin the procedure by numbing the area. First, dentists apply a numbing substance to the gums, skin and tooth. Then, dentists inject a numbing agent into the gums. This numbs the area. Patients who have dental anxiety can also ask for nitrous oxide. This calms them and also provides additional pain relief.

Keeping the mouth open

Dentists examine the location and depth of the cavity. If patients are likely to struggle to keep their mouths open or if the cavity is in a hard-to-reach area, dentists insert a rubber dam. This provides dentists with easy access to the tooth, and patients do not have to fight to keep their mouths open.

Removing the decay

Before placing metal fillings, dentists must remove the decay along with healthy portions of the tooth to make room for the restoration. Dentists remove much less of the tooth with non-metal fillings. This is preferred since removing healthy tooth structure weakens the tooth.

Filling the tooth

Composite resin fillings are placed in steps. Dentists add the first layer of the filling and then harden it by shining a special light on it. Then, dentists add the second layer and harden it and so on until the entire space is filled. While there are several steps, the process is relatively quick. Dentists then shape the resin so that it resembles the natural tooth structure. Once it is shaped, patients can go home.

After the restoration

Patients who have received metal fillings are likely to go home with a set of instructions for the next several hours. Metal fillings need time to set, so people cannot eat or drink for several hours after getting one. Patients who eat or drink too soon run the risk of damaging the restoration.

The same is not true for composite resin fillings. The fillings are fully set by the time patients leave the office, so it is okay to resume normal activities. However, the patient’s mouths will be numb after the appointment, so special care is needed when chewing. Patients must be careful to avoid mouth damage.

Getting metal-free fillings

The process for filling teeth with composite resin is relatively simple. You will be numb during the procedure so that you will not feel any pain. The dentist will apply multiple layers of composite resin to the affected area and the filling will be dry by the time you leave. If you want to get a composite resin filling, speak to your dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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