Pulp removal is a procedure used to clean out the cavity in the root of a tooth and fill it with a protective substance to prevent further decay.
What is it?
Fillings are procedures used to repair damaged teeth and restore proper tooth structure. People who need fillings often have damaged teeth that are cracked or broken, or worn down from tooth grinding. Fillings are also commonly used to treat cavities. Silver amalgam, porcelain, gold, or plastic are used to fill in areas of the tooth where there once was decayed material caused by cavities.
What should I do to prepare?
No special preparations are necessary. Consulting with a doctor about medical history, allergies, current medications, and the right cost fit for you is important. Depending on the type of anesthetic used, transportation and home-care accommodations may need to be made.
What happens during the process?
Local anesthetics are used to numb the pain around the target tooth. The decayed area caused by the cavity is then removed either by an air abrasion tool, laser, or a drill. Once all of the decay has been removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. The filling is then placed in the tooth in multiple layers and then hardened by a special light. Finally, the dentist will trim off excess material and polish the tooth.
What are the risks and potential complications?
There aren’t many risks that come with dental fillings, since it is a very common procedure and performed regularly. However, several complications may accompany filling procedures depending on what type of filling you decide to get. Although gold fillings are durable and strong, they cost more than silver fillings and can cause galvanic shock if placed next to a silver amalgam-filled tooth. Silver amalgam fillings are also known for their durability and strength and at a much cheaper cost than gold fillings. However, healthier areas of the tooth must be removed to make space for the filling.This occurrence is because amalgam fillings expand more than other fillings, and can cause cracks and fractures in teeth if enough space is not allotted for the filling. Tooth colored compounds are aesthetically pleasing and require less of the tooth to be taken out for filling placement, but they wear out more easily than metal fillings and chip much easier.
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