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Dental treatments Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2009.

Answers to questions about dental treatments

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

What should I do if my filling falls out?

If your filling falls out, make an appointment at your dentist to have it replaced as soon as you can.

Explanation

A filling or part of a filling can fall out due to wear and tear, excessive biting pressure over time or from secondary decay (caries). The area may be sensitive and be difficult to clean after food as it may be tender. Food debris may accumulate in the cavity (hole) making it more susceptible to decay. Your dentist will clean the cavity (hole) and repair the filling or provide a new filling to replace the old one.

Further information

Sources

  • Mitchell DA, Mitchell L. Oxford handbook of clinical dentistry. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:278
  • Personal communication, Brian Franks, Clinical Director, Dentistry Bupa Wellness, 11 March 2009
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Will having a filling hurt?

No, because you will usually be given a local anaesthetic.

Explanation

A local anaesthetic injection completely numbs the area while the filling is being done. This means you will be awake while the filling is placed but you will feel no pain.

You may be able to feel the instruments in your mouth and the pressure in your mouth but you won't feel any pain.

Afterwards the numbness can take several hours to wear off. You shouldn't eat anything too hot or have a hot drink if your mouth is still numb. You can damage your lip or mouth without realising as you have limited sensation in the area.

In very rare circumstances, if you are allergic to the anaesthetic solution for example, you may not be given a local anaesthetic. If you feel any sensitivity you should signal to your dentist while the filling is being done so they can try to reduce this.

Further information

Sources

  • Mitchell DA, Mitchell L. Oxford handbook of clinical dentistry. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:268
  • Personal communication, Brian Franks, Clinical Director, Dentistry Bupa Wellness, 11 March 2009
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If I have a whitening treatment, will it also whiten my composite filling?

No, the bleaching treatment will only affect the teeth.

Explanation

The bleach used in whitening treatments only whitens natural teeth. A lighter shade of composite filling can be placed over the filling or a new composite filling placed to match the whitened teeth so they don't look a different colour. Before starting your whitening treatment your dentist should discuss with you which fillings may need to be replaced after tooth whitening.

Further information

Sources

  • Mitchell DA, Mitchell L. Oxford handbook of clinical dentistry. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:316-17
  • Personal communication, Brian Franks, Clinical Director, Dentistry Bupa Wellness, 11 March 2009
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I'm getting a veneer fitted. Will my tooth look odd between appointments?

Your dentist will try to make sure that your tooth looks as acceptable as possible during the time between your appointments.

Explanation

Your dentist will shave off a thin layer of enamel from the surface of your tooth when preparing it for a veneer. The appearance won't be perfect while you wait for the veneer to be made but it shouldn't be too obvious. Try to plan with your dentist when you will have the veneer fitted so that you aren't waiting for it at the time of an important event. Your tooth will be more sensitive to hot and cold because the outer layer of protection has been removed. It will also feel a bit rough against your tongue.

Your dentist may decide you need a temporary veneer until your second appointment and will try to make it as lifelike as possible. A temporary one is usually made of acrylic and can be more likely to stain. Also, it will only be stuck on with weak cement because your dentist needs to take it off easily at the second appointment. This means it could come off unexpectedly, for example if you bite something too hard.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2009

 

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