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Fillings:
First of all, the dentist will anaesthetise the area around the tooth to be filled with a local anaesthetic. Next, either a drill, an air abrasion instrument, or a laser will be used to remove the decayed area of the tooth. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist's judgement, training and the availability of the equipment. The other factors in the dentist’s choice are the location and extent of the decay.
Your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once all the decayed matter has been removed, your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of any bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first line the cavity with glass ionomer, composite resin, or other neutral material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is inserted, your dentist will finish and polish it.
For tooth-coloured fillings, several additional steps are required, as follows. After your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area, the tooth-coloured material is applied and built up in layers. Next, a special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is applied. When the multi-layering process is completed, your dentist will shape the composite material to the desired form, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.
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