What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are one of the best and first treatments that we use in order to treat cavities. When a cavity is removed from a tooth, there are parts of the tooth missing, leaving holes or portions that were previously there that now aren't. To restore the tooth to its former state and keep it healthy and strong, we will put a filling into the tooth.
Can fillings be avoided?
Theoretically, dental fillings can be avoided, although it's extremely rare to find someone who has no dental fillings. If someone is really good about their diet, minimizes sugar, drinks a lot of water, maintains good oral home care with regular brushing and flossing, and regularly visits the dentist for teeth cleaning, then it is theoretically possible to avoid dental fillings. However, even when people do all these things, they will still often end up needing dental fillings.
Can dentists do tooth fillings without drilling?
It is possible to do fillings without drilling. However, most fillings are needed that are much deeper than what can be done without drilling, so some drilling usually is required in order to remove the infected parts of the teeth.
What are the different types of fillings in dentistry?
There are several different materials that we use in order to make dental fillings, including composite resin, amalgam or silver, ceramic, and gold. Each material has a different process and use case.
Can my dental fillings match my tooth color?
Yes, thanks to improvements in dental technology, we are able to fabricate and make dental fillings that will match your existing tooth color.
Does a dental filling procedure hurt?
We usually recommend local anesthesia for dental filling procedures to make it comfortable for our patients. This anesthesia will prevent any uncomfortable sensations or pain while we're working on their teeth.
Can I brush my teeth after getting a tooth filling?
Yes, we often recommend that patients brush their teeth right after they get a filling as the fillings we place are strong and secure from the moment that they leave our chair.
Do dental fillings need to be replaced?
Most dental fillings don't last forever and need to be replaced when they either start to break down or when cavities form around those fillings. On average, most dental fillings last anywhere between three and seven years.
How much does a tooth filling cost?
The cost of dental tooth fillings varies depending on the size and the location of the filling as not all cavities are created equal. In severe cases where a filling can't be done, we recommend a crown for the tooth, or in really severe instances, the tooth may need to be pulled out.
When should I schedule a dental appointment if I think I need a filling?
If you feel like you're in need of a filling, we recommend that you call our office as soon as possible to get that checked out.