Fillings and Extractions Wyke
You may need a filling for various reasons, including tooth decay, a broken tooth, or a damaged filling.
Fillings
- Metal Amalgam Fillings:
- Very strong and durable.
- Ideal for hard-to-reach areas due to their ease of placement.
- White Fillings:
- Aesthetically pleasing and blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color.
- Provide a more natural appearance compared to metal fillings.
Extractions
Teeth may need to be extracted for several reasons:
- Orthodontic Reasons: To create space for re-aligning teeth.
- Disease: If a tooth is too diseased to restore, extraction may be necessary.
Benefits of Dental Fillings and Extractions
- Restores function by allowing normal chewing and biting.
- Prevents further decay by sealing the tooth against bacteria.
- Enhances aesthetics with white fillings that provide a natural look.
- Durable solutions designed to withstand normal wear and tear.
- Relieves pain from problematic teeth.
- Prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and gums.
- Facilitates orthodontic treatment by creating space for proper alignment.
- Improves overall oral health by removing severely damaged or diseased teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
A filling may be recommended when a tooth has decay, a small fracture or other damage. It helps restore the tooth’s shape and function while preventing further damage.
Depending on the tooth and your individual needs, different filling materials may be available. Your dentist will explain the suitable options and discuss the appearance, durability and cost of each.
The area is normally numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity may occur afterwards and usually settles with time.
The time required depends on the size and location of the filling. Many routine fillings can be completed in a single appointment.
An extraction may be recommended if a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and cannot be predictably restored. It may also be necessary in some cases of infection, gum disease or overcrowding.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, so you should not feel pain during the extraction. Some soreness, swelling or sensitivity can be expected afterwards as the area heals.
Initial healing usually takes several days, although the gum and underlying bone can take longer to fully heal. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions specific to your extraction.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dental team. Avoid disturbing the extraction site, keep the area clean as advised and avoid smoking during the early healing period.
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, replacement options may include a dental implant, bridge or denture. Your dentist can discuss the most suitable option once the tooth has been assessed and, where necessary, the area has healed.
If enough healthy tooth structure remains, a filling or another restorative treatment may allow the tooth to be saved. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain whether it can be restored or whether extraction is necessary.