A cavity caught early is simpler to treat. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and replaces it with a filling. The tooth gets back its shape and function.
How the treatment goes
- Local anesthesia: the area is numbed for your comfort.
- Removing the decay: the dentist cleans the affected part of the tooth.
- Filling: the material is placed, then shaped to fit the tooth.
- Checking your bite: we make sure the tooth isn’t too high when you close your mouth.
Materials
[To be specified by the clinic: materials used, length of the appointment, how long to wait before chewing on the tooth.]
After your filling
What’s normal
- The numbness lasts a few hours: avoid chewing and very hot drinks until it wears off.
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or biting for a few days, sometimes a few weeks.
- The gum around the tooth may be tender for a few days.
Be patient…
… as long as the pain or sensitivity is getting better, even slowly. It’s a sign that the tooth is recovering.
Call us if
- the tooth feels too high when you close your mouth;
- an edge catches your tongue or the floss;
- the sensitivity increases instead of decreasing;
- pain starts on its own, wakes you up at night, or swelling appears.
A small adjustment is often all it takes to fix a tooth that’s too high or an edge that catches. Call us at 450-447-1100. Outside our opening hours: 811 (Info-Santé). [Advice to be approved by Dr. Berthiaume.]
Frequently asked questions
Is the treatment covered by the CDCP?
We welcome patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team checks your coverage with you before the treatment. [Wording to be approved]
When can I eat after a filling?
Wait until the numbness wears off so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue. [Delay depending on the material, to be specified]
A question or an appointment?