FILLINGS help restore teeth damaged by decay to their normal function, and can prevent further decay.

Your dentist may use several methods to determine if you have tooth decay or caries, including:

• Observation: Some discoloured spots on your teeth may indicate decay, but not all of them. Your dentist may use an explorer — a metal instrument with a sharp tip — to probe for possible decay. Healthy tooth enamel is hard and will resist pressure by the explorer. Decayed enamel is softer. The instrument will stick in it slightly.

• Cavity-detecting dye: This can be rinsed over your tooth. It will stick to decayed areas and rinse cleanly from healthy ones. •

X-rays: X-rays can show decay developing in the enamel on the sides of teeth where they come together, as well as in the dentin that lies under the enamel. X-rays are often not accurate in detecting smaller cavities on occlusal (top) surfaces. Current fillings or other restorations also may block the view of decay.

• Laser fluorescence cavity-detection aids: These small wands measure changes caused by caries. They are especially useful for pit and fissure areas on the top surfaces of your molar and premolar (chewing) teeth.

Decay is not the only reason you may need a filling. Other reasons include cracked or broken teeth, teeth that are worn from unusual use — such as nail-biting and tooth grinding (bruxism) — as well as using your teeth to open things.

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLINGS

Your anaesthesia will wear off in approximately one to three hours after the procedure. It is very important not to chew on the numb side (to prevent biting tongue, lip, etc) until the anaesthesia wears off.

Children should be observed until the anaesthesia has worn off. Due to the strange feeling of the anaesthetic, many children chew on the inside of their cheeks, lips and tongue, which can cause serious damage.

Your tooth (or teeth) may be sensitive to hot, cold or pressure from this procedure. This is completely normal. The possible symptoms of hot, cold or pressure sensitivity will cease within a few days to a couple of weeks. In very few instances, this sensitivity could last longer than a couple of weeks. As long as your teeth or gums are continuing to feel better, (not staying the same, or getting worse) everything is fine and there is no need for concern.

Once the anaesthesia has worn off, if you feel as though any of the teeth worked on are hitting first when you bite down, please call your dental office immediately. This imbalance with your bite may cause further discomfort and should be adjusted.

The gum tissue could have been irritated during the procedure and may be sore for a few days. The anaesthetic injection site may also feel sore or bruised.

With silver fillings, you should not chew hard foods or chew directly on the new fillings for the first 24 hours. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth. Composite (white) fillings set up right away and can be chewed on as soon as the anaesthetic wears off.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please call your dental office.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, for an opportunity to take advantage of weekly specials.