Questions about fillings and about halcyon before wisdom tooth extraction.

[FrightenedJerk]

Hello! Prior to last year I hadn't been to a dentist since I was a teen (posted a separate thread about it). As far as my current treatment plan, I need at least seven fillings (though I'm sure that will change or a filling or more will turn into a root canal), plus two cracked molars removed and likely implants placed, and one wisdom tooth which I believe is crooked removed (at age 47, if that matters).

I have gone in for cleanings, but have kept putting off the fillings and extractions (the latter being done by an oral surgeon who I have visited and consulted with). I may keep my Thursday appointment for the first round of fillings. This doctor does not use amalgam which I would prefer for my own OCD issues. So a couple questions about fillings and about a wisdom tooth extraction.

*What is the coloring agent/pigment in composite fillings? Is it a dye, paint, or ink? I'm finding titanium dioxide, which is naturally occurring, as a possible agent.​

*Will I be asked to bite down after the filling is placed so that I can make an impression in it such as to get a good and comfortable bite?​

*Is it inevitable for someone's bite to change after a filling, especially one that may be larger?​

*Regarding the wisdom tooth, I've been told that I do not need to do sedation and it can be accomplished with regular novocaine or whatever they use. They did say that they'll give me a prescription for halcyon to get before the session, which I guess makes you less concerned about the work they're doing. I would prefer not to be in an altered state; have never taken mind- or mood-altering drugs. As a dentist, would you recommend considering such a pill? Obviously if I took one, I'd need a ride (I don't drive anyway, but would take the bus). If I don't take the pill, would it even be advisable to take the bus after getting a wisdom tooth out? Thank you!​

 

[Gordon]

*What is the coloring agent/pigment in composite fillings? Is it a dye, paint, or ink? I'm finding titanium dioxide, which is naturally occurring, as a possible agent.

It'll be some variety of dye, not paint or ink. The majority of the material is effectively little glass balls aka silica. I doubt if you'll be able to find out exactly what dye is used, it'll be a big secret for the manufacturers. It's completely inert and locked into the filling when the composite is set anyway.

*Will I be asked to bite down after the filling is placed so that I can make an impression in it such as to get a good and comfortable bite?

Sort of. You'll be asked to bite down on some thin paper, a bit like carbon paper for us oldies, which marks the high areas on the filling and lets the dentist adjust them as needed.

*Is it inevitable for someone's bite to change after a filling, especially one that may be larger?

No.

*Regarding the wisdom tooth, I've been told that I do not need to do sedation and it can be accomplished with regular novocaine or whatever they use. They did say that they'll give me a prescription for halcyon to get before the session, which I guess makes you less concerned about the work they're doing. I would prefer not to be in an altered state; have never taken mind- or mood-altering drugs. As a dentist, would you recommend considering such a pill? Obviously if I took one, I'd need a ride (I don't drive anyway, but would take the bus). If I don't take the pill, would it even be advisable to take the bus after getting a wisdom tooth out? Thank you!

Don't really see how I can answer that for you. It's up to you to decide whether your anxiety level over the extraction outweighs your anxiety over taking the drug.
Even without the tablet, I'd probably get a ride rather than the bus, if you can manage it.

 

[FrightenedJerk]

Sort of. You'll be asked to bite down on some thin paper, a bit like carbon paper for us oldies, which marks the high areas on the filling and lets the dentist adjust them as needed.

Glad that you mentioned this because that reacts with my OCD tics as well, the idea of an inky or pigmented thing getting into my system. Does it cause a black stain to get onto the teeth, and how is it washed away?

 

[Gordon]

It's a vegetable dye. It doesn't stay on the tooth, it's polished away when the filling is done. Oh and it's either blue or red.