The proper care of your teeth is extremely important if you want them to stay healthy from childhood to your elderly years. However, even with the best at-home dental care, you can develop tooth decay. If you have a cavity, a tooth filling is an effective dental treatment option to stop decay. Each year, thousands of people, including many Hendricks County residents, get dental fillings. If you currently have an untreated cavity, here are some tips to help you prepare for an upcoming tooth filling treatment.
Step 1: Visit Danville Family Dentistry for an Initial Dental Appointment
During this appointment, Dr. Jon Erickson will take X-rays and examine the damage to your tooth. He will determine if you require a tooth filling. If so, he will explain what happens during the tooth filling procedure. During your treatment procedure appointment, Dr. Erickson will first remove the decayed tooth material. Next, he will clean the affected area. Then, he will fill the cleaned-out cavity with the filling material. The filling material closes the space, so bacteria can’t get in and prevent further decay.
Step 2: Decide on the Tooth Filling Material to be Used
Before your next appointment, you need to determine what type of filling material you will receive. Two common types of filling materials include composite resin (white, tooth-colored fillings) and metal amalgam (silver fillings). Both filling types have their pros and cons. Dr. Erickson can help you make the right filling choice based on your needs, health, insurance, and budget.
Step 3: Ask Any Questions You May Have
Dr. Erickson expects his Hendricks County patients to ask questions about their dental care and treatment. Some common questions you may want to ask include:
- How long will the procedure take?
- What level of discomfort or pain can expect during the procedure? Will I be given any numbing agents or anesthesia?
- What level of discomfort or pain can I expect following the procedure, and will any medication be prescribed for me?
- Will I be able to drive following my procedure?
- Will I be able to return to work the same day?
- Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment, and if so, when should it occur?
Don’t feel uncomfortable about asking your questions and voicing any concerns.
Step 4: Provide Danville Family Dentistry with a List of Current Medications and Your Medical History
While local anesthetics are usually not used during dental fillings, if they are required, possible negative interactions could occur with medications you’re taking. Therefore, bring a list of all your current medications – prescription and over-the-counter. Dr. Erickson may recommend that you temporarily stop taking certain medications before your filling procedure. Make sure you follow this advice.
Also, let our office know about any medical conditions you may have. If you’re pregnant or nursing, please let us know about that as well. Dr. Erickson may recommend that your procedure be scheduled for a later date depending on potential safety risks.
Step 5: Talk with Us About Any Dental Fears You May Have
Your comfort is our top concern. Let us know if you’re nervous about your dental procedure. We can recommend certain relaxation techniques. Or, you may want to bring a loved one or friend with you to your appointment.
Step 6: Determine How You Will Pay for Your Treatment
Check with your insurance company to determine if they will cover your tooth filling procedure. If you must pay all or a portion of your procedure cost out of pocket, talk with the staff at Danville Family Dentistry. We accept cash, checks, and most credit cards. We also offer our Smile Savings Plan, a patient courtesy program for patients without dental insurance. Additionally, we offer Care Credit, a third-party financing option.
Step 7: Schedule Your Tooth Filling Procedure
Don’t put off getting your tooth filling taken care of! Make an appointment for your filling procedure by contacting our Hendricks County office at 317-745-4400. With Danville Family Dentistry’s professional restorative dental care, you don’t have anything to worry about. Your tooth will be as good as new in no time at all.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
(317) 745-4400
