If you suffer from tooth decay and cavities, Dr. Patel offers dental fillings to restore the health and stability of your teeth. Dental fillings seal out decay after infection removal and cleaning of the area. In addition, certain types of fillings offer different benefits to patients. Durable, natural-looking, and stain-resistant materials now allow a longer-lasting and natural-looking result. Visit Dr. Patel for all of your general dentistry needs.
Common Signs of Tooth Decay
There are multiple signs to look out for when tooth decay is present:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Staining on tooth enamel
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Toothaches
- Pain when eating hot or cold foods
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, call 847.660.6603. You may need a root canal and dental filling to remove and seal out tooth decay. During a root canal, we remove infected nerves and blood vessels from within the tooth. Then, we clean the tooth chamber and provide a filling.
If your cavity has not reached the tooth chamber inside the tooth, you may not require a root canal. In those cases, we will only recommend a dental filling.
Types of Fillings and Treatment
Several types of dental fillings offer different benefits to patients depending on their material and placement. Dr. Patel will recommend the most appropriate kind of filling for your dental health and cosmetic needs.
Common types of dental fillings include:
- Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings are the standard filling material known as “silver” fillings. They are durable, easy to apply, and are a great economical treatment option for patients.
- Composite Resin Fillings: Also known as “white” fillings, composite resin fillings are color-matched to existing teeth for a natural-looking result. The composite resin material seals teeth and prevents future decay or infection for a long-lasting restoration.
- Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are a good option for larger back teeth as they can provide a strong biting surface and durability. These fillings use other metals in addition to gold for increased strength.
- Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain fillings reflect light for a natural-looking and stain-resistant result. This option is one of the most aesthetically pleasing for patients.
- Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays are made of high-quality ceramic or porcelain and blend in with natural teeth. They may require two visits to complete and offer the most stable result for treating larger teeth with more than one cusp. Inlays fill the area of the tooth between the sides, or cusps. Onlays cover the top of the tooth, including the tooth’s surface and tooth cusps.
The dentist removes tooth decay and any compromised tooth structure prior to treating teeth with dental fillings. The chosen filling material is then adhered to and sculpted to the teeth after the tooth is prepared. With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, a dental filling will last for many years.
How to Care for Dental Fillings
Directly after you receive your new dental filling, avoid touching the area with your tongue or finger. If you disturb it, you can potentially dislodge or lose your new filling. It will take time for the anesthetic to wear off. Once you no longer feel numb, you can begin to eat and drink.
If you eat before the anesthetic wears off, you can potentially bite your lip or cheek. Eating after the anesthetic wears off can prevent damage to your mouth’s soft tissues.
When eating and drinking, avoid hard or crunchy foods that irritate or damage your fillings. Eat soft foods and drink liquids. Do your best to avoid biting on the side of your filling. If you receive metal fillings, you will have to wait 24 hours before you can begin to eat normally.
After the anesthetic wears off, you may feel pain and sensitivity. Taking over-the-counter pain medication will help relieve discomfort from your filling.
It can take two to three days to heal after you receive your dental filling. Please contact our office if you feel any bite discomfort or high points in your filling. We want to ensure that you have an even bite and that your filling feels comfortable.
Dental Filling FAQs
Here we answer popular questions patients have about dental fillings:
How many cavities can a dentist fill at once?
Dentists may fill as many cavities as the patient is comfortable with. However, in most cases, dentists do not recommend having more than three cavities filled in one sitting. Your mouth needs time to heal.
Do fillings make your teeth weaker?
Cavities make your teeth weaker. The materials dentists use for fillings are strong, but not as strong as natural teeth and enamel. Once a tooth has begun to decay, it gets continually weaker. Fillings strengthen your teeth once a cavity has been filled.
How long do fillings last?
Fillings typically last between 10 and 12 years, depending on placement, size, care, and material. Some may last longer, while others need replacement sooner. It all depends on the material you choose for your dental fillings.
Are dental fillings painful?
When you receive a filling, we use a local anesthetic to numb your tooth. You will not feel pain. After the anesthetic wears off, you can take pain medication.
Can I eat after I get a filling?
You can eat after you receive a filling. However, you must eat soft foods and avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that could damage or loosen your filling.
What happens if my cavity is too big for a filling?
If your cavity is too big for a filling alone, we will cover it with a dental crown. A dental crown fully covers a tooth like a cap and uses tooth-colored materials to blend in with other natural teeth.
Restore Your Smile Today
Get a comfortable dental filling. Call 847.660.6603 for comprehensive treatment at Best Dental Spa in Schaumburg, Illinois. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Dhara Patel online. We welcome new patients of all ages and provide tailored dental care for your specific needs and cosmetic goals.
