Fillings and Sealants
Tooth decay and cavities are common dental issues. Tooth-colored fillings can restore teeth and prevent decay from becoming worse.
Tooth Fillings and Sealants
Cavities are a common dental problem, even with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. These cavities can damage your tooth enamel, but repairing them is usually a simple process that involves tooth fillings. At our office, we use tooth-colored composite fillings instead of amalgam fillings. Unlike amalgam fillings, which contain metal and mercury, our metal-free fillings match the color of your natural teeth, making them blend effortlessly into your smile.
It’s best to visit our office every six months to prevent cavities for dental cleanings. Our hygienists have special instruments that can reach hidden spots that may be difficult to clean properly at home. We may also recommend additional general dental care, like dental sealants, to protect your teeth from decay.
-
How do dental fillings for cavities work?
Cavity and tooth fillings are required when decay leaves holes in teeth. Left unchecked, the decay will continue to spread and damage the tooth’s hard material and eventually the inner pulp and root system. During the filling procedure, dentists clean away decay inside the cavity with a drill. However, because this doesn’t fix the damage that is already there a filling is necessary. The intent of the filling is to replace the part of the tooth that was destroyed by tooth decay. Your dentist will mold the filling to fit the shape of the existing tooth to restore its structural integrity and protect the softer enamel exposed by decay.
-
What types of fillings are there?
Various materials are used for tooth fillings, including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (an alloy of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), tooth-colored plastic, composite resin, and glass ionomer. The dentist decides which material to use based on the extent and location of tooth decay and insurance coverage.
-
Is tooth sensitivity after a filling normal?
When you get a filling, the area around the infected tooth is usually numbed. For a few hours after your appointment, you shouldn’t feel anything. However, once the numbing wears off, it’s normal to experience pain in your teeth and gums. This pain is often worse when you eat or drink something hot or cold, and you may also feel more sensitivity than usual when you brush or floss near the filled tooth.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize tooth sensitivity:
- Take an anti-inflammatory drug that contains ibuprofen.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with 1/2 to 3/4 tsp salt. This can help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks temporarily.
- Brush and floss gently.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about fillings and sealants, or if you would like to schedule an appointment or contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
