Dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the normal functioning and look of a decayed tooth. A tooth filling usually becomes necessary when a dental problem such as a cavity develops in the enamel of the tooth causing major dental problems. This occurs because of tooth decay which is the result of not brushing your teeth properly. You may notice the following symptoms and signs if you need a dental filling:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Toothache
• A sharp or throbbing pain
• Pain on biting or chewing
• Rough tooth
• Stuck food
• Broken filling
• Dark spot/hole in the tooth
• Chipped or fractured tooth
• Lost filling

If you opt for a filling procedure, what to expect is as follows:
First, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. Then, your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it. This process is called a Pulp Capping.

After you have had a filling, your mouth will feel numb for 1-3 hours. As the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience discomfort for some time. After you feel normal again, check your bite. Do not chew hard foods or chew directly on the new fillings for the first 24 hours. Stick to soft foods and liquids. Your tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold or pressure from this procedure. This is completely normal. This will cease within a few days to a couple of weeks.

However, it's important to let your dentist know about any sensitivity you are feeling, so that for the next time they can use another material that may suit you better. You may feel some pain around the injection site and your tooth may also be somewhat sensitive initially. There may be more pain in the gums if you have a side filling. Remember to perform regular and routine brushing and flossing to avoid similar accidents in the future. Also, to avoid dental problems of any kind, pay careful attention to a healthy teeth diet and don’t forget to use India’s best toothpaste - Meswak. Maintain proper oral hygiene and choose the right toothpaste to keep all dental problems away & ensure proper dental care.