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How to Prepare for a Dental Filling

Pain, sensitivity, and trouble chewing are all signs that your tooth requires a dental filling. However, there are things you can do to prepare for this procedure so that the results are as positive as possible. Read on for some helpful tips and techniques you can use to make sure your dental filling lasts longer.

Set a Date

Before you receive a dental filling, we will complete an initial examination of your teeth to identify any oral problems that might require attention. Meet with your dentist and see how they want to move forward and set a date for the filling. Try to make the appointment as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the tooth.

What to Do on the Day of

You can take all your regular medication up to your filling appointment, including the day of your visit. You can also eat and drink right up to your filling appointment, including on the same day. If there are any restrictions after your visit (and in many cases, there are not), your dentist will let you know. On the morning of your appointment, brush and floss your teeth like you typically do. Brushing again before your appointment is helpful but not required if your meeting is later in the day. The dentist will thoroughly clean the area before placing the filling, so it’s okay if you’ve had something to eat or drink after you last brushed your teeth.

The Procedure

The first part of the procedure will consist of removing decay and debris from the affected tooth or teeth. Special tools are used to trim away damaged areas and remove decayed portions of your tooth before the filling material is applied. Depending on the nature of your problem, we may use local anesthesia to help eliminate discomfort during this process. When the damaged area has been cleared away and prepared, the dentist will then apply a filling material over the damaged areas around your tooth’s nerve. A final polishing step takes care of any rough spots on your fillings, so they feel smooth when you bite down with force once again.

Fear of Filling?

If you are stressed about your appointment, do not worry. The process is essentially pain-free. The most discomfort a patient experiences is a gentle pinch when the anesthetic is injected, but the area is numbed using a topical gel first to reduce any pain you may feel. Let the dentist know ahead of time if you’re experiencing anxiety so they can share options and ideas with you. Also, when it comes to getting a filling, make sure you go in with a plan. Call up your regular family dentist and book a time for your appointment. To prepare for the visit, take medication, drink, and eat as usual unless your dentist suggests otherwise. Be prepared to feel an uncomfortable pinch with the anesthesia, but you should not feel too much pain afterward. If you do have a fear of getting a filling, please discuss other options with your dentist. Best of luck!