Getting a cavity filled is a relatively easy and painless process that will help restore your natural tooth’s health and strength. This kind of dental service is the easiest way to eliminate bacteria causing current tooth decay and to stop further decay from happening. With all of our procedures at Friends and Family Dental, we will always have your comfort top of mind and will ensure your dental filling is as painless as possible.
Getting told you have a cavity isn’t the best news to hear on your regular checkup to the dentist, but just remember, we’re only human and cavities can happen. While never a good thing and fairly avoidable with good oral hygiene, getting a filling isn’t the completely negative and disruptive procedure many people might imagine. Over the years of technology and procedural advances, getting a dental filling to stop tooth decay has become a quick and pretty painless process.
Dental Filling Process
The first step to getting a dental filling is ensuring the area around the tooth is numbed. Your comfort during a filling is a top priority and will help the whole dental filling process go smoothly. Once the area is numbed, Dr. Lee will clean out the area of tooth decay, usually with a drill, and sterilize the cavity. If left unchecked, the bacteria can still live in the hole and keep spreading, causing more and more damage. Regular checkups to the dentist and good oral hygiene will help prevent any cavities from forming and early-detect any that are underway.
After the cavity is clean of bacteria, the dental filling is placed to fill the hole with the material Dr. Lee decided on beforehand. The filling is molded to the tooth and is shaped to match the surrounding teeth. Depending on the kind of filling, it might also be cured with a UV light. Your mouth might feel numb for a couple of hours after, but that should be the extent of your discomfort afterwards. Your tooth will now have its integrity and function restored, while keeping the vulnerable area of the cavity protected from future decay.
What kind of dental filling is the best?
The type of filling Dr. Lee will recommend is based off of you and your specific circumstance. He will take into consideration the severity of the tooth decay, any allergies you have, the location of the filling, and the overall cost. Below are the most common filling types we offer at Friends and Family Dental.
Dental amalgam (silver) fillings
This kind of filling has been around for over 150 years and is still the most popular filling option today. This kind of dental filling is stronger, more durable (lasting on average 10-15 years), and less expensive than other alternatives. The biggest downside patients have with amalgam fillings is they’re a bit darker than a natural tooth color, so they’re more noticeable than other kinds of filling.
Composite fillings
These are also referred to as “white fillings” and are another popular option for our patients due to how well they blend in with teeth. Composite fillings are a combination of glass or quartz filler and are typically designed to match the color of your tooth. This filling is typically best for small to medium sized fillings in areas that have low to moderate chewing activity. With proper care, this kind of filling can last an upwards of 7-10 years.
Ceramic/porcelain fillings
While ceramic fillings (usually made of porcelain) are similar to composite fillings in that they are also tooth-colored, they’re less likely to show stains over time. When ceramic is used for a restoration, it will usually span the area of the whole tooth. The biggest factor in choosing a ceramic filling is usually the cost–they cost almost as much as gold fillings.
Gold fillings
Gold fillings are the most expensive type of filling you can get, ranging an upwards of ten times the cost of an amalgam filling. They are made in a laboratory, cemented in place, are tolerated well by gums, and last an upwards of 20 years. It’s for these reasons that many dental professionals tout gold as one of the best fillings, but the cost can be a deal-breaker for many.
Depending on the severity of the decay, other dental filling and restorative options may be recommended. If the area of decay has caused a fracture or has taken over a large portion of your tooth, a crown or cap might be the best solution. Decay that travels the nerves also has a few options for a long-lasting remedy. The most popular option is root canal therapy that removes the the damaged nerve. There’s also pulp capping, which attempts to keep the damaged nerve alive.
When to replace dental fillings?
As with anything, proper care, maintenance, and excellent oral hygiene will help your fillings last as long as possible. Dental fillings are made to last for years, but the daily wear and tear can shorten their lifetime, especially if you grind or clench your teeth frequently. Scheduling regular checkups with Dr. Lee will help you keep an eye on the health of your dental fillings.
If you notice your fillings are developing cracks or worn areas, you should have them replaced as soon as possible. Letting it go untreated for any amount of time can result in the tooth cracking or additional decay developing around the filling. If your dental filling reach that point, Dr. Lee may choose to repair your tooth with a crown instead of a second filling to ensure the whole area of damage is addressed and restored.
Dental Fillings in Phoenix
With nearly three decades of experience in dentistry, Friends and Family Dental is a choice you can feel confident about. Whether you simply need a routine cleaning, or something more intensive like periodontal therapy, we have the skills and confidence to ensure your smile is in good hands. If you need dental services, contact us today.