A dental filling is a restorative dental treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. During the procedure, Dr. Preston removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and fills the cavity with a dental material to restore the tooth's shape, function, and strength. Fillings prevent further decay by sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter and help maintain your tooth's structural integrity.

Several types of dental fillings are available:

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: Made of plastic and glass particles that match your natural tooth color, ideal for visible teeth.

Amalgam (silver) fillings: Made of metal alloys including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Very durable and cost-effective for back teeth.

Porcelain fillings (inlays/onlays): Custom-made ceramic restorations that are highly durable and natural-looking.

Gold fillings: Very durable and long-lasting but more expensive and noticeable.

Glass ionomer fillings: Release fluoride and are often used for children or root surfaces.

You may need a dental filling if you experience:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity, especially when eating sweet, hot, or cold foods
• Visible holes or dark spots on teeth
• Rough or broken tooth surfaces
• Food getting stuck in the same spot repeatedly
• Pain when biting down

However, early cavities may have no symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are essential for early detection through visual examination and X-rays.

The dental filling procedure typically involves:

• Local anesthesia: To numb the area around the affected tooth
• Removal of decay: Using a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument
• Cleaning the cavity: To remove bacteria and debris
• Applying the filling material: In layers if using composite, with each layer being hardened with a special light
• Shaping and polishing: To ensure proper bite and smooth finish

The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity.

The dental filling procedure itself should not be painful due to local anesthesia. You may feel pressure or vibration during the procedure, but no pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort. If pain persists or worsens after a few days, contact Dr. Preston as this may indicate a complication.

The lifespan of dental fillings varies by material:

• Composite fillings: Typically last 5-10 years
• Amalgam fillings: Can last 10-15 years or longer
• Porcelain fillings: May last 15-20 years
• Gold fillings: Can last 20-30 years

Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene, diet, teeth grinding habits, the size and location of the filling, and regular dental maintenance. Good oral care and avoiding hard foods can help extend filling life.

After getting a dental filling:

• Expect numbness from anesthesia to last 2-4 hours
• Avoid eating on the treated side until numbness subsides to prevent accidentally biting your tongue or cheek
• Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal for a few days
• Your bite may feel different initially but should normalize quickly

Contact Dr. Preston if you experience severe pain, persistent sensitivity lasting more than a week, or if the filling feels too high when biting.

You can usually eat normally after getting a filling, with some precautions:

• Wait until the anesthesia wears off completely before eating
• For the first 24-48 hours, avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods if you experience sensitivity
• Composite fillings are immediately hard, so you can eat right away once numbness subsides
• Avoid sticky or chewy foods for the first day
• Chew on the opposite side if possible

Both white (composite) and silver (amalgam) fillings have advantages:

White fillings: Aesthetically pleasing, bond directly to the tooth, and require less tooth removal. They're ideal for visible teeth and smaller cavities.

Silver fillings: More durable, last longer, cost less, and are better for large cavities in back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.

The best choice depends on the location of the cavity, size of the restoration needed, your budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Dental filling costs vary by material, size, and location. Composite fillings typically cost more than amalgam fillings. Porcelain and gold fillings are the most expensive options. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of filling costs, typically 70-80% for basic restorations. The exact cost depends on your location, dentist, and specific treatment needs. At Premier Family Dental we offer payment plans or financing options to help manage costs.

Yes, dental fillings can occasionally fall out due to:

• Normal wear and tear
• New decay around the filling
• Teeth grinding
• Chewing hard foods
• Age-related deterioration

Signs of a loose filling include sensitivity, pain when chewing, or feeling a rough spot with your tongue. If a filling falls out, contact Dr. Preston promptly for replacement. Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean until you can be seen.

Old fillings may need replacement if they show signs of wear, cracking, or leakage that allows bacteria to enter. Dr. Preston will evaluate old fillings during regular checkups and recommend replacement when necessary. Amalgam fillings may need replacement due to expansion and contraction that can crack teeth over time. Composite fillings may need replacement due to wear or staining. Replacement timing depends on the filling's condition, not just age.

Yes, children can and often do get dental fillings for cavities in both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Treating cavities in baby teeth is important because untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and problems with permanent tooth development. Pediatric dentists use child-friendly techniques and may recommend different filling materials. Glass ionomer fillings are often used for children because they release fluoride and are easier to place in small, wiggly patients.

Not treating a cavity that needs a filling can lead to serious complications:

• The decay will continue to spread deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the nerve and requiring root canal treatment
• Untreated cavities can cause severe pain, abscesses, and infections that may spread to other parts of the body
• The tooth may become so damaged that it requires extraction rather than a simple filling
• Early treatment with fillings is always less expensive and less invasive than advanced treatments

Prevent cavities and the need for fillings by:

• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Use antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals
• Don't use teeth as tools, avoid chewing ice or hard candies
• Consider a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings help catch problems early

Alternatives to traditional fillings include:

Dental crowns: For extensively damaged teeth that need more coverage than a filling can provide.

Inlays and onlays: Custom-made restorations that fit into or over the tooth, stronger than fillings but less invasive than crowns.

Dental bonding: Can repair small chips or cavities.

Fluoride treatments: For very small cavities, fluoride treatments or remineralization therapy might reverse early decay.

The best option depends on the extent of damage and your specific situation.

Yes, you should continue brushing and flossing normally with dental fillings. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent new cavities from forming around existing fillings. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around new fillings for the first few days if you experience sensitivity. Regular flossing helps prevent decay between teeth and around filling margins. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene helps ensure your fillings last as long as possible.

Some sensitivity after a new filling is normal and should subside within a few days to a week. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid extreme temperatures. If sensitivity persists beyond a week, worsens, or if you experience severe pain, contact Dr. Preston. This could indicate the filling is too high, there's nerve irritation, or another issue that needs attention. Pain when biting down may mean the filling needs adjustment.

Allergic reactions to dental filling materials are rare but possible. Some people may be allergic to metals in amalgam fillings or components in composite fillings. Signs of an allergic reaction include persistent swelling, rash, or unusual sensitivity around the filling site. If you have known allergies to dental materials or experience unusual symptoms after getting a filling, inform Dr. Preston. They can perform allergy testing or use alternative materials.

Long-term care for teeth with fillings includes:

• Maintaining excellent daily oral hygiene with brushing and flossing
• Regular dental checkups every six months for professional cleaning and filling evaluation
• Avoiding habits that can damage fillings like chewing ice, opening packages with teeth, or teeth grinding
• Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night
• Address any sensitivity or discomfort promptly
• Replace worn fillings before they fail completely to prevent more extensive damage