Fillings & Extractions
What is it?
A filling is a material that a dentists uses to fill a cavity after he or she removes tooth decay. Tooth extractions involve removing a tooth by pulling it out.
Who is it for?
Teeth with cavities need to be filled, otherwise the condition will get worse and lead to more severe problems, such as bone loss. Extractions are performed on teeth that are badly damaged from trauma or decay, to prepare the mouth for orthodontia (in cases where the mouth is too crowded), or in case of infection or periodontal disease.
Recovery time
In case of fillings, the lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours until the numbing medicine wears off. Recovery after extraction typically takes a few days.
Risks
There is almost no risk involved in having a cavity filled. In the case of extraction, the patient can expect some swelling and residual bleeding.
Pulpotomies
What is it?
A pulpotomy is the removal of irritated, inflamed nerve tissue from within the crown portion of a baby tooth. The healthy root canals are left intact.
Who is it for?
The procedure is performed in children once decay penetrates the tooth enamel and the dentin. If left untreated, the decay will penetrate and spread throughout the nerve tissue in the pulp, which will lead to discomfort.
Recovery time
It is a relatively quick and painless procedure.
Risks
The child may experience slight discomfort and pain after the procedure, which may be relieved by taking children’s pain medication.