Dental Fillings – do I Need One? Types, Questions and Answers

You asked us many questions regarding dental fillings – what are they, when do you need one, and what to expect after having such a procedure done. That is why we have prepared detailed answers to all of your questions asked so far! If you have a different question that’s not answered below please leave it in the comments section and we will respond as soon as we read it!

What is tooth filling?

A tooth filling is a dental procedure in which a dentist fills a cavity in a tooth. A cavity is a hole that forms in the tooth when the tooth enamel breaks down and bacteria infect the inner layers of the tooth. A filling is used to restore the tooth to its normal shape and function, and to prevent further decay. During the filling procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or decayed tissue from the cavity and clean the area. The dentist will then fill the cavity with filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam, to restore the tooth. The filling material will be shaped and polished to match the natural contours of the tooth, and the dentist may use a special light to harden the material. The filling will protect the tooth from further infection and decay, and it will help restore the tooth’s normal function.

Are old mercury fillings dangerous?

Old mercury fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, have been used for many years to repair cavities in the teeth. Mercury is a naturally-occurring element that has been used in dentistry because it is strong and durable. However, there has been some concern about the safety of mercury fillings, as mercury is a toxic substance. While the amount of mercury in a filling is small, some people worry that the mercury can leak out of the filling and cause health problems. However, there is no evidence to suggest that old mercury fillings are dangerous. The American Dental Association (ADA) and other professional organizations have reviewed the available research and concluded that mercury fillings are safe for use in the mouth. If you are concerned about your mercury fillings, it’s best to talk to your dentist for more information.

Gums swollen after filling

It is common to experience some swelling or tenderness in the gums after a filling. This is because the filling procedure can cause irritation or inflammation in the gums, and the area may be sore or sensitive for a few days after the filling. In most cases, the swelling and tenderness should subside within a few days, and any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If the swelling persists or is severe, it’s best to contact the dentist for further advice. The dentist may recommend a different pain medication or may need to adjust the filling to relieve the pressure on the gums. It’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions and attend any recommended follow-up appointments to help the gums heal properly.

Nose won’t stop running after filling at dentist

It is not common for a person’s nose to run after a filling at the dentist. However, there are several possible reasons why this may happen. One possible reason is that the dentist may have used a local anesthetic to numb the area, which can cause the nose to run as the anesthetic wears off. Another possible reason is that the filling procedure can cause swelling or irritation in the mouth, which can cause the nose to run as a reflex. Additionally, some people may have an allergic reaction to the filling material, which can cause symptoms such as a runny nose. If your nose continues to run after a filling, it’s best to contact the dentist for further advice. The dentist may need to adjust the filling or prescribe medication to help alleviate any symptoms.

Dental filling fell out refund

If a dental filling falls out, the dentist will typically replace the filling at no additional cost to the patient. This is because the filling is considered a part of the initial dental treatment, and it is the dentist’s responsibility to ensure that the filling is properly placed and maintained. If the filling falls out within a certain time frame, typically within a few months of the initial placement, the dentist will typically replace the filling at no additional charge. If the filling falls out after this time, the dentist may charge a fee to replace the filling. However, the cost and policies for replacing a filling will vary depending on the dentist and the specific situation. It’s best to contact the dentist to discuss your options and any potential fees.

Natural tooth filling

A natural tooth filling is a type of filling that is made from materials that are derived from natural sources. Natural tooth fillings are an alternative to traditional fillings, which are typically made from materials such as composite resin or amalgam. Natural tooth fillings may be made from materials such as:

• Glass ionomer cement: This filling material is made from a mixture of acrylic acid and a glass powder. It bonds well to the tooth and releases fluoride, which can help prevent decay.
• Gold: Gold fillings are made from a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals. They are strong and durable, but they can be expensive.
• Porcelain: Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are made from a type of ceramic material. They are strong and resistant to wear, but they can be more difficult to place than other types of fillings.
• Resin-modified glass ionomer: This filling material is a mixture of glass ionomer cement and resin, which makes it strong and durable. It also releases fluoride to help prevent decay.

Natural tooth fillings have some potential advantages over traditional fillings, such as being more biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, they may not be as strong or durable as traditional fillings, and they may be more expensive. It’s important to discuss the different options with your dentist to determine the best type of filling for your needs.

Jaw still sore after filling

How long does jaw hurt after filling?

It is common to experience some discomfort or soreness in the jaw after a filling. This is because the filling procedure can cause irritation or inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissues, and the area may be sore or sensitive for a few days after the filling. In most cases, the soreness should subside within a few days, and any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If the soreness persists or is severe, it’s best to contact the dentist for further advice. The dentist may need to adjust the filling or prescribe medication to help alleviate any symptoms. It’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions and attend any recommended follow-up appointments to help the gums and jaw heal properly.

Small cavity filling

A small cavity filling is a dental procedure in which a dentist fills a small cavity in a tooth. A cavity is a hole that forms in the tooth when the tooth enamel breaks down and bacteria infect the inner layers of the tooth. A filling is used to restore the tooth to its normal shape and function, and to prevent further decay. A small cavity filling is similar to a regular filling, but it may involve a smaller amount of filling material and may be less complex. During the filling procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or decayed tissue from the cavity and clean the area. The dentist will then fill the cavity with a filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam, to restore the tooth. The filling material will be shaped and polished to match the natural contours of the tooth, and the dentist may use a special light to harden the material. The filling will protect the tooth from further infection and decay, and it will help restore the tooth’s normal function.

Charcoal fillings

Charcoal fillings are a type of dental filling that is made from activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a type of carbon that has been treated to make it highly porous and absorbent. Charcoal fillings are an alternative to traditional fillings, which are typically made from materials such as composite resin or amalgam. Charcoal fillings are said to have several potential benefits, such as being biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, and charcoal fillings are not widely used by dentists. Additionally, charcoal fillings may not be as strong or durable as traditional fillings, and they may be more difficult to place. It’s important to discuss the different options with your dentist to determine the best type of filling for your needs.

I have lots of fillings

It’s not uncommon for a person to have multiple fillings. A filling is a dental procedure in which a dentist fills a cavity in a tooth. Cavities are caused by bacteria that infect the tooth enamel and cause it to break down. A filling is used to restore the tooth to its normal shape and function, and to prevent further decay. If a person has multiple fillings, it may mean that they have had multiple cavities in their teeth, or that they have had large cavities that required more than one filling to repair. Having multiple fillings is not necessarily a cause for concern, but it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This can help prevent the development of new cavities and maintain the health of the teeth and gums.

Please check back soon as we will update this article on a weekly basis.
This article is still a work in progress and was last updated on December 8, 2022.