Planning on getting fillers anytime soon? Well, read up.

Dental fillers is perhaps one of the most straightforward dental care services out there. But just like any other medical procedure, this one is not without its set of possible complications or setbacks. This is why we decided to list down some of the things you need to know before picking up the phone and setting an appointment with your dentist.

1. It’s not a 10 minute service. If you think that dental fillings is a procedure that you can get on your smoking break, then you’re wrong. This service entails two steps that need to be performed with great care—drilling and filling. Drilling, in essence, is the part when your dentist will remove all the dead and decaying materials from your tooth. This is done in order to make sure that only the healthy part of your teeth remains and so that the fillers stick well onto it. On the other hand, filling is when your dentist patches up the damaged part of your teeth with fillers. He will mold the filler to make sure that it follows the natural shape of your teeth—allowing it to perform its function well.
   Needless to say, both parts will take time. How much time? Anywhere around 20-30 minutes per tooth.
2. Your dentist might need to use anesthesia. Removing the decaying parts a tooth is a tricky procedure that may cause some inconvenience. For this reason, dentists sometimes use anesthesia to make sure that the patient remains comfortable throughout the entire thing. Make sure to call your dentist and tell him or her if you’re allergic to any form of anesthesia before actually going to his clinic, lest you want to risk wasting time and effort.
3. You may need to take several trips to get your fillers. We hate to break it to you, but this is true. And it’s not only because your dentist is pressed for time. Some teeth are too damaged for regular fillings that they require what we call indirect fillings. These are fillings that are specially created in a dental laboratory and cemented into place. Known as the midway solution between regular fillings and crowns, indirect fillings require at least two sessions to be completed. Needless to say, this is a more expensive option and will also entail the use of temporary fillings after the decaying parts of your tooth are removed. But if performed well, indirect fillings can last up to 30 years and can survive a significant amount of wear and tear.
4. You have options. There are a wide variety of fillings available to patients nowadays, including gold, ceramic, silver, porcelain, plastic and composite resin. Each one, of course, is priced differently and has its own set of advantages. Ideally, your dentist will offer you the one that will last the longest considering the amount of damage your teeth sustained through the years, your lifestyle and also your budget. Don’t be afraid to discuss all these with him or her. Chances are, he or she has had innumerable similar talks in the past.
5. Not all dentists have the same skill levels. Like with any other medical services, your doctor’s skill will play an important role in terms of safety, comfort and quality of your fillers. If you’re planning on going to a family dentist who’s been servicing you for years, then great. But if this is your first time talking to one, make sure to do your research before paying him or her a visit. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your friends for recommendations.

Dental fillers is by no means a cheap service, thus, you want to make sure you’re making the most out of this investment. If you’re planning on getting one soon, make sure you get it from a dentist that—over the years—have established a good reputation as a well-learned, skillful and conscientious practitioner, like Dr. Edward Beduya, who—by the way—is running a promo on dental fillers. Enjoy 30% off on all dental filling services at Beduya Dental all September long. Call (02) 354-5388 today to inquire or book your appointment.