Do you need to remove decay while preserving your tooth structure? If you are wondering if a dental filling is the right option for you, your search for the best dental filling near me can end here. Dorsey Family Dental performs tooth fillings that ensure your teeth are painless, healthy, and happy.
What Are Tooth Fillings?
Tooth fillings are procedures done to restore areas of teeth that have decayed due to cavities. The main objective of a dental filling is to remove decay, clean the area, and "fill" it in with material that will restore the tooth's regular shape. Materials used as fillings may include composite (white), amalgam (silver), porcelain, and gold.
As most things in life, there are pros and cons to each of the different tooth filling materials, all of which our dentists will explain in your appointment. For example, durability can vary from a composite material (approximately 5 years), to a gold or silver cast (approximately 10-15 years). Cost is another factor that will vary depending on the material you choose.
Who Needs Tooth Fillings?
Tooth fillings are for those who need to repair and restore their teeth, thus preventing more significant dental issues later. You may need a tooth filling if you experience severe tooth sensitivity, pain when you bite down, have chipped teeth, or see a dark spot on your teeth.
If left untreated, tooth decay can spread quickly and decay the rest of your smile. Getting a tooth filling now contributes to better prevention of further damage that may warrant tooth extraction or root canal procedures.
What To Expect from Tooth Fillings
For smaller fillings, the procedure is typically 20-30 minutes. Deeper cavities may take longer.
Before the dentist removes the decay from your tooth, you will get an injection of local anesthesia to numb the area. Then, the dentist cleans out the area where the decay is. After cleaning, the dentist will mold the dental filling to fit where the decay used to be. Finally, the dentist will polish the filling area until it has a smooth texture and fits well with the surrounding teeth.
After the Procedure
After a composite filling, you can eat and drink right away. However, if you got a metal filling, you will have to wait 1-2 hours afterward since metal fillings take longer to harden. You shouldn't eat chewy or hard foods until at least a day after the procedure. Recommended soft foods include soup, applesauce, smoothies, and yogurt.
Benefits of Tooth Fillings
This procedure can help you:
- Protect Your Teeth
- Achieve Natural, Healthy-Looking Teeth
- Prevent Teeth Removal & Infections
- Reduce Health Risks Related to Cavities
- Keep Your Natural Tooth Structure Intact
- Tooth Fillings Can Last For Many Years
Take Care of Your Teeth
Once you have fillings put in, you want to protect them and the other healthy teeth as much as possible. Keep up with oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice daily and scheduling bi-annual cleanings. Taking steps to prevent getting cavities is the best way to ensure you do not have to get more fillings in the future.
Start your transformative journey with dental fillings for a happier, healthier smile with Dorsey Family Dental located in Ellicott City Maryland.