Fillings
A "filling" is the common name given to a dental procedure that removes decay—a cavity—in a tooth and fills the space left behind with a synthetic material. Fillings can be made from many different materials, such as gold, amalgam, or composite tooth colored material.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is ideal for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, filling in a tooth gap, correcting dental discoloration, protecting any exposed tooth root from gum recession, or changing the shape of teeth. Since the color of a composite resin filling can be customized, this option is the most aesthetically pleasing option.
Amalgam
Commonly known as “Silver fillings” Amalgam fillings are made up of silver, copper, mercury, and tin. They last up to ten years and are less likely to fall out or break. Commonly used for filling in molar cavities, amalgam fillings can withstand biting pressure and can be fully administered in a single visit. Amalgam is not used in our office.
Common Questions
Why do I need a filling?
Leaving cavities in place is very dangerous to your oral health. Cavities continue to get worse as time passes and can lead to more serious dental problems such as abscesses, pain, or permanent tooth loss. Fillings allow you to remove the decay from your natural tooth while still maintaining its strength and integrity. Fillings are also used in cases where the teeth have been worn down prematurely due to bad habits like nail chewing, and sometimes may be used to repair cracked or broken teeth.
Are fillings permanent?
No. Over time the filling may become discolored or loosen from natural wear and tear. It's important to schedule regular appointments with your dentist to assess the filling for leaks or cracks. When this happens, bacteria gets beneath the filling and may rot out the tooth from the inside out. Regular check-ups allows the dentist to catch these changes quickly, increasing the chance of saving the tooth from needing more extensive care. Your fillings will last longer if you practice good oral hygiene, avoid nail biting, crunching ice, and opening packages with your teeth
What happens during the procedure?
The first step is to numb the area. The decay will be removed using a dental drill. After all of the decay has been removed, the filling material will be placed into the vacated space and cured with a special light.
Is it painful?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the mouth before the procedure begins. There is no pain while the tooth is being drilled or filled but there may be pressure. There will be some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off that can be easily controlled with OTC medication. Many people report a lessening in pain after the procedure, as the fillings “insulate” the nerves in the teeth.
Can I eat right after a filling?
Yes, but if you are still numb from the procedure we recommend eating on the opposite side of the mouth the filling was placed. It is easy to bite or chew on the lip, tongue or cheek while the area is still numb. Parents should watch their children after a procedure to make sure the child does not hurt their lips. It is common for a child to suck on their numb lip, unaware they are hurting themselves until after the anesthetic has worn off.