Teeth Restorations

During your restoration appointment, a local anesthetic will be administered to the area around the affected tooth. This will cause the tooth and gums to become numb, allowing you to remain comfortable during the procedure.

During treatment it is important that the treatment area is kept isolated and dry.  In order to achieve a clear treatment area, one or two isolation apparatuses may be used.  The first is a Dry-Shield apparatus which is a rubber shield with a bite block that curves around your teeth and rests in your inner cheek and is attached to a vacuum suction.  The second is a rubber dam, which places a clamp on your tooth on the side of treatment and a rubber sheet placed around each individual teeth and anchored by the clamp and a metal frame.

Once the treatment area has been adequately isolated, a dental drill will be used to remove decay and/or damaged components of your tooth as required. Once the preparation is complete, materials may be used to establish appropriate contacts between the prepared teeth.  An acid gel is then applied to eliminate remaining bacteria and debris.  The preparations are then filled with the prescribed restorative materials and your dentist will shape the material as it is placed.

Unique shaping procedures are used for different types of fillings, so your dentist will utilize the appropriate shaping technique. It is routine to smell a “glue” like odor and see a blue light as composite materials require a bonding agent and a blue light to harden the material.  Different filling materials require different and unique filling techniques.  Please ask your dentist if you are curious!

Lastly, the repaired teeth will be polished and smoothed and contacts will be checked with floss.  At the end of the appointment, any important information regarding the treatment outcomes and instructions on care of the restorations will be given.

The major advantages of dental restorations are that they can quickly restore the tooth structure and health of natural teeth, cause minimal pain and can be completed in a single appointment. However, there are potential risks and complications with teeth restorations.

Some individuals experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, pressure changes and air exposure. Pain or sensitivity can also occur if the filling is placed too high, causing teeth to misalign when biting and chewing. Sensitivity and shock sensations typically decrease within one to two weeks. If you continue experiencing discomfort, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

There is a very small chance of injury to your mouth or jaw during the tooth restoration process, as your mouth is open for an extended amount of time. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, inform your dentist immediately.

Anesthetic complications could arise during the restorative procedures. It’s important to disclose any allergies you have and follow the instructions provided in the unlikely event of an allergic reaction.

During the tooth restoration process, depending on the depth and size of the caries or fracture, there may be pulp (nerve) exposure.  This may require root canal treatment right away or weeks or months after the restoration is placed.

Rest assured, teeth restorations are a routine dental treatment with proven success. Contact us today for more information about restorative dentistry and to book an appointment.