Things You'll Need:
- Yourself
- Cavity
- Willingness to not bite your dentist when they're helping you
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Step 1
You may notice a cavity first by feeling around in your mouth. A tongue on a tooth can feel that there is a hole. Another, certainly less pleasant way to recognize a cavity, is physical pain. Either way, as soon as you are aware of the cavity, you need to get a filling as soon as possible. Make an appointment at your local dentist immediately. If you are of the very responsible sort and go to check-ups regularly, the dentist will notice it then and there, and, depending on time, you can take care of it all in one sitting.
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Step 2
Once it's been determined that you will need a filling, you need to make sure that you have options. There are two major types of fillings used: Amalgam restorations or composite restorations. Amalgam's silver color make many choose that kind of filling sparingly and for back teeth. For the price, many choose Amalgam, which are generally cheaper. However, for vanity, the composite restorations are key. It is a choice of balances. It is important to search the pros and cons of each type. Composite restorations are generally thought to be safer, as they have no mercury in their contents. Amalgam does, indeed, contain mercury. No studies have shown that it is in harmful amounts within the filling, but it is better to err on the side of caution. If one is going to give you peace of mind where the other wouldn't, that is the choice for you.
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Step 3
After determining which filling material is best suited for you, going to the dentist and having the situation taken care of as quickly as possible enhances the long-term wellness of your dental health. The procedure begins with a study of the X-ray, taken before the start of the session, or at a prior visit. Your mouth will be numbed in most cases. You will not feel the drilling, though the sound leave some taken aback. It is recommended to focus on a happy thought or something you are looking forward to doing during this time. Disassociating your mind from the minor trauma of dental work makes for a happier passage of time.
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Step 4
Before you know it, the drilling has ended, the filling is put into place, and your tooth is once again who and healthy. The next step (well, after paying the dentist!) is in maintenance. The best thing to do about cavities is to avoid them altogether. Flossing, brushing after every meal (as well as first thing in the morning and last thing at night) and gargling with an anti-cavity mouth wash will make sure to keep your fillings to a minimum. The experience of getting a dental filling is fairly quick and painless. Simply give extra care to your mouth for the following day or so. You are on your way to perfect dental hygiene.
