The good news about dental fillings is that they help to preserve teeth with small to moderate amounts of decay, which makes it possible to avoid having the decayed tooth extracted. Another positive thing about dental fillings is that you can choose whether you want traditional metal fillings or clear fillings that blend in with the natural color of your teeth.
Types of Dental Fillings
Amalgam fillings have been around for decades and are what most people think of when they need a cavity filled. We do not use this type very often anymore at Allison Jung Family Dentistry because most patients prefer tooth-colored fillings. However, we encounter certain situations when amalgam materials work better than clear-colored resin. We will always inform you of the type of material we use and the reason for selecting it.
Tooth-colored resin fillings, also known as composite fillings, bond directly to the structure of your tooth. The material’s ability to bond makes this type of filling stronger than fillings made from amalgam materials. Before filling your tooth, we show you several shades of composite resin and allow you to choose the shade you feel matches your other teeth most closely.
What to Expect When Having a Cavity Filled
Please set aside at least one hour for your appointment to give Dr. Jung enough time to discuss the procedure and take X-rays if necessary. Before she fills your cavity, Dr. Jung numbs your gums, affected teeth, and the surrounding skin to ensure that you do not feel discomfort while she applies filling material to your tooth.
After giving you the numbing agent, Dr. Jung will use a dental drill to remove the decayed portion of your tooth. She then applies the filling material to your tooth and waits a few minutes for it to bond to the outer surface. Your tooth must be clean and dry before she can do this, so she or her assistant will place a dental dam in your mouth to keep saliva off the treated tooth.
Other reasons for having a cavity-filled
Decay caused by a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria is the most common reason people need to have filling material applied to their teeth. Dr. Jung may also recommend a dental filling to replace part of a broken tooth or to repair teeth that have sustained heavy damage from grinding, a common habit also known as bruxism.
Caring for Your Newly Filled Tooth at Home
You will probably feel discomfort for a few hours after the procedure. Most patients do fine by taking non-prescription pain relievers as needed and/or applying an ice pack to their cheeks. However, you should not hesitate to speak to Dr. Jung about obtaining a prescription pain reliever if you have tried these methods but still feel sore and swollen after a few days.
You should plan to consume a soft foods diet as your mouth recovers and avoid chewing with the tooth that had a filling installed. As usual, continue to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. If you do not brush and floss that often, now is the ideal time to start. You could even prevent future cavities.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
With proper oral hygiene and avoiding unnecessary stress on your treated tooth, your new filling should last a decade or longer. Remember that fillings wear out after years of exposure to your chewing force. Dental fillings wear out faster if you grind your teeth.
If your filling falls out on its own, that is an obvious sign that you must replace it. You should also look for signs like wear or cracks and let Dr. Jung know as soon as possible if you spot these issues. Continuing to chew on a tooth with a broken filling may cause it to crack, which means you will need additional dental treatments besides having the tooth filled again.
Another uncommon problem that may arise with dental fillings is the material on your tooth loosening, leaving a tiny opening that bacteria can penetrate. This can cause a painful infection. Be sure to inform Dr. Jung if you notice space between your tooth and the filling, as she can treat it and help you avoid an infection altogether.
Please do not hesitate to contact Allison Jung Family Dentistry if you have additional questions about dental fillings in Fort Collins, CO, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.
