As your dental filling appointment nears, knowing what to expect can help alleviate any worries you have leading up to your appointment. Here, we'll help you understand exactly what to expect so you feel prepared for your filling appointment.
Scheduling Your Filling Appointment
Most patients find out they need a filling during a routine cleaning and exam when their dentist notices a small cavity that isn't yet visible to others or causing any pain. Your dentist will determine whether the cavity requires treatment and if it does, recommend that you schedule a filling appointment before you leave. If you notice a cavity yourself, you can simply call your dentist's office to let them know. They'll walk you through the steps. If you're an established patient and you've had an exam recently, you might be able to come right in for treatment. If you've never been to the dentist (or that dentist) before, they might need to do a cleaning and full exam first.
Taking Medications
You can take all of your regular medication right up to your filling appointment, including the day of your appointment.
Eating and Drinking
You can eat and drink right up to your filling appointment, including the day of your appointment. If there are any restrictions after your appointment (and in many cases, there are not), your dentist will let you know.
Oral Hygiene
On the morning of your appointment, brush and floss your teeth like you typically do. If your appointment is later in the day, brushing again prior to your appointment is helpful but not required. The dentist will thoroughly clean the area before placing the filling, so it's okay if you've had something to eat or drink after you last brushed your teeth.
Dental Anxiety
If you're feeling worried about your appointment, it's important to know that dental fillings are typically almost pain-free for the patient. The most discomfort a patient experiences is a gentle pinch when the anesthetic is injected, but the area is numbed using a topical gel first to reduce any discomfort. Let the dentist know ahead of time if you're experiencing anxiety so he or she can share options and ideas with you.
Schedule an Appointment
If you think you may have a cavity or if it has been more than six months since your last routine cleaning, schedule an appointment with the caring team at Ideal Dental today. Find your local Ideal Dental office to get started.