Dental fillings are a common general dentistry service. Most often, patients receive a dental filling if they experience a cavity in their tooth or if they suffer from minor tooth damage. Fillings restore the tooth’s original shape and prevent it from experiencing further decay or damage.
Dr. Matthew Jenne will often recommend a return visit for a dental filling once the decay or damage is diagnosed unless you are experiencing any immediate discomfort or sensitivity. As one of our most common procedures in the Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry office, dental fillings usually take an hour to complete.
Our entire team is happy to consult with you on the dental filling process and find out which type of filling will best suit your smile. With a variety of filling types to choose from, we have the ability to meet the unique cosmetic and restorative needs of each patient.
White Fillings
Dental fillings have evolved immensely over the years and are now more subtle than ever. If you have a dark or weakened dental filling, Dr. Jenne is happy to replace it with a more modern, white filling to match your smile more flawlessly.
Some of the significant benefits of white fillings include
- Appearance – White fillings are made of composites that match the exact shade of your tooth. They do not draw any additional attention to affected areas.
- Durability – The materials that are utilized in white fillings are just as durable and long-lasting as any other type of filling. They also require less enamel removal than a typical silver filling. As a result, white fillings do not compromise on the strength or preservation of your tooth.
- Versatility – Whether you are filling in a cavity or a chipped tooth, white fillings are able to be utilized under most circumstances.
Dental Fillings: What To Expect
At Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to make the dental filling process as easy and straightforward as possible. Your tooth and its surrounding areas will be numbed with an anesthetic to prevent discomfort. Additionally, we can provide oral sedation on an as-needed basis.
Once the affected area is completely numb, Dr. Jenne will remove any decayed or damaged tooth structure and tissue. Then, the dental filling is molded and shaped to the remaining space on the tooth. After adhering the filling to your tooth with a special light, Dr. Jenne will file and smooth the filling down to ensure it feels natural in your mouth and does not interfere with your bite.
After the filling is complete, the numbness will wear off in a few hours, and you will be good to go for many years! However, if you have any concerns or complications following the appointment, feel free to reach out to our office again. We are happy to answer your questions.
Inlays and Onlays
If a regular filling does not meet the needs of your tooth’s lost structure, we may recommend an inlay or onlay. These typically take two visits to complete as they require our office to make the filling in our labs and then bond them to the tooth as opposed to directly applying them to the tooth on the same day.
During your first visit, our team will prepare your tooth for an inlay or onlay. We will also take dental impressions to help us create a custom filling to match the specific needs of your tooth. Once complete, we will ask you to return in a couple of weeks to receive the final filling placement. At this time, we will secure the inlay or onlay onto your tooth—and your smile will be as good as new!
Dental Fillings FAQs
Do fillings make your teeth weaker?
Fillings work together with surrounding teeth to make your teeth stronger. The goal of a filling is to replace the decayed area with a durable composite. This will not weaken the tooth.
How long does it take to recover from fillings?
On average it takes anywhere from 5-7 days for fillings to begin to feel normal in a patient’s mouth. Some sensitivity may be felt, but after about 2 weeks this should go away entirely.
Can I drink water after a filling?
After a filling, dentists recommend that patients avoid eating or drinking anything, including water. They should wait at least an hour to drink water, and 24 hours to eat hard food.
How long does it take for teeth fillings to settle?
Fillings take about 24 hours to fully harden. Patients should be careful chewing and eating for this period to give the fillings plenty of time to fully settle before eating regularly.
How many times can a tooth filling be replaced?
Fillings can be replaced as many times as needed until the hole becomes to large. The hold is too large when the filling requires more than your natural tooth.