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Dealing with a cavity not only impacts your ability to chew and speak, but can also hit your confidence and overall wellness. That’s where fillings come in handy. In just one visit, your tooth can be restored to its natural health, so you can start smiling again.
Why should I get a filling?
Cavities are a pain and can only worsen when left untreated. You deserve to have a smile that allows you to chew, speak, eat, and laugh with ease. Fortunately, cavities are simple enough to treat and even easier to prevent. A dental filling can treat cavities in just an hour-long appointment. And by visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams every 6 months, we can help you prevent future cavities altogether.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cavities are common. Nearly 80% of Americans have had at least one before the age of 18.
The Benefits of Dental Fillings
Provides Durable Protection
Fillings stop cavities in their tracks and keep future decay from forming.
Fits In With Your Smile
When done well, fillings offer a seamless look and a natural feeling bite.
Done In One Visit
Most cavities can be filled in an hour or less.
Flexible Financing Options
Accessible Care For You
The cost of treatment shouldn’t keep you from getting the filling you need. We keep care affordable so you can invest in your healthiest smile yet.
The Dental Fillings Treatment Process
Local Anesthesia
First, your dentist will apply local anesthesia to numb the nerves near the treatment area. This ensures you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the filling process.
Removal Of Decay
Next, a dental drill will be used to remove decayed enamel and damaged material from your tooth. Then, your dentist will clean and disinfect the area to prepare it for your filling.
Filling The Tooth
Your dentist will fill your tooth and restore its structure with the filling material. Once the tooth has been filled, the filling will be trimmed and adjusted to ensure it looks natural and feels comfortable.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
No need for a silvery reminder of your cavity. With a tooth-colored filling, your tooth will match the rest of your smile for a natural, seamless look.
Pain-Free Care
We utilize Onpharma Onset Buffering to ensure a pain-free experience by effectively neutralizing injection discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs that I might have a cavity?
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If your tooth is feeling sensitive to heat, cold, or sugary foods and beverages, you may have a cavity. Another sign includes feeling pain when chewing or biting down on your “sensitive side”.
A toothache may occur, but this depends on the severity of your cavity. Most minor cavities typically won’t cause you major pain or discomfort.
In some cases, you might see a cavity with your naked eye. If you look at your tooth and see small holes, pitting, or black/brown stains, it may be a cavity.
My tooth doesn’t hurt. Why do I need a filling?
Not all cavities cause pain or sensitivity. Usually, a toothache is a symptom of an infected tooth, which must be treated with a root canal instead of a filling. Seeing your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and an exam will help you prevent cavities altogether. These regular visits will also help your doctor find the issues when they’re still small and relatively easy to treat.
When a cavity or an oral injury is left untreated, it destroys the outer layers of your tooth, exposing the vulnerable pulp that lives inside. Root canal therapy and either a dental filling or dental crown can seal your tooth and prevent further damage. This process is more complex, time-consuming, and expensive than having a cavity filled.
Are dental fillings painful?
Nope! Getting a dental filling is virtually painless. Your dentist will apply local anesthesia to ensure your mouth is numbed during the entirety of the procedure. Getting a filling is a fast process, too. Most fillings are finished in about 30-60 minutes.
If you’re nervous at the dentist’s office, you can choose to be sedated during your procedure. Sedation can ensure that you feel no pain, anxiety, or discomfort throughout the process. Just contact your dentist and ask about your options for sedation during your treatment.
How do fillings protect my teeth?
By removing the decayed enamel and sealing your tooth with dental resin or metal amalgam, fillings protect your tooth from further damage. This treatment halts the progression of the cavity, preventing it from getting larger and potentially causing a tooth infection. The filling helps protect the underlying tooth structure, and ensures that your tooth remains strong.
What if my cavity is too deep or too large?
If you have a very deep or large cavity, a filling may not be the appropriate treatment to strengthen and restore your tooth. In these cases, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment, like a dental inlay or onlay, or a dental crown. These treatments are more effective at protecting and restoring teeth that have been severely damaged by decay, and will provide better results.
Have more questions?
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, more radiant smile with Plaza Family Dentistry.