Dental fillings are a dental procedure used to fill small holes in teeth that are the result of either fractures or decay.
Sometimes a cavity causes a toothache. Other times, you won't feel a thing. That's one reason it's worth having your teeth checked regularly. When decay has damaged part of a tooth, a dental filling allows us to remove the affected area and replace what's missing. Fillings can also be used to repair certain small chips or cracks.
Most cavities start with bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. When these bacteria come into contact with sugars, they produce acids that gradually wear down your tooth enamel. Brushing and flossing help keep this process under control, but oral hygiene isn't the only factor. Your diet, certain medications, dry mouth, and other health conditions can also increase your chances of developing cavities.
Nobody particularly looks forward to finding out they need a filling. If we discover a problem during your visit to Northside Dental, we'll explain what we've found and talk about how it can be treated. You're welcome to ask questions, discuss costs, or let us know if you're feeling nervous about the procedure. We want you to have a say in your dental care and feel comfortable with the decisions being made.
If you think you may need a filling, give Northside Dental a call at 317-342-9446 to arrange an appointment. You can also find us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
Explore Membership Plans
Examination and Cleaning
Cosmetic Services
Emergency Dentistry
Metal versus Composite Fillings
The only major difference between composite and amalgam fillings is the material used. Dental amalgam is a blend of several metals, including mercury and silver. It has been used reliably for dental fillings to fill teeth in the US since the nineteenth century. Historical records of a similar amalgam of mercury, silver, and tin are even mentioned in Chinese medical texts as far back as the first century.
Beginning in the 1990s, technological advances in dentistry produced new options for filling damaged teeth. One of the most popular of these is now composite fillings. The material used for composite fillings is also a mixture of polymers that will adhere to the tooth surface and are then hardened with a blue light. You may prefer this type of filling because it does not contain mercury. Also, because it is tooth-colored, it is not easily visible. Composite resins are strong enough to withstand biting pressures from the back teeth and usually last ten years or more, making them a practical and attractive alternative to metal amalgam.
The Dental Filling Process
Dental fillings are a quite common dental procedure. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, there are about 175 million dental fillings placed each year. Northside Dental will perform several fillings in a single day. The process is simple and can be completed in less than an hour in most cases.
The first step is to identify the exact location of the cavity by taking an X-ray. Then, to prepare for the dental filling, we will administer a local anesthetic to the immediate area so you will not experience any discomfort. Next, we need to clean the tooth and any decay removed from the tooth with a high-speed dental drill.
Northside Dental will work with you to determine the right cavity filling material for your needs and preferences. The tooth has a final cleaning and is then prepared to receive the filling material. If you choose a composite filling, less tooth surface needs to be removed and altered than if you are having metal fillings placed. The material is placed, hardened, and the procedure is complete.
The Different Types of Dental Fillings
There are several types of tooth fillings used at Northside Dental today. These include both traditional metal fillings as well as composite fillings, which are newer and are growing in popularity.
- Metal Fillings: These fillings are made from several different types of materials, including amalgam, which is the silver filling material that you are probably familiar with and expect to have placed in your cavities. Amalgam is made from a metal alloy containing mercury, silver, tin, and copper. These dental fillings are very inexpensive and incredibly durable. If you have a metal dental filling placed in a tooth, you might have it for the rest of your life without ever needing to have it replaced or repaired. Another type of metal filling that is less popular but available, and more expensive than amalgam fillings, is gold cast fillings. This type of dental filling is less common and takes longer to set.
- Composite Fillings: These fillings are less visible than other fillings because they are the color of your tooth. Unlike their metal counterparts, composite dental fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and glass and are then bonded to the tooth. This type of filling is more expensive than traditional fillings, but they are far more visually pleasing and can also last a long time.
- Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain fillings are the newest type of dental filling that uses the latest technological advancements in the dental industry. These fillings are incredibly strong and look just like your real teeth. They do not stain, and they can last for decades if taken care of properly.
Dental Filling Aftercare
After getting a dental filling, your mouth may stay numb for a few hours while the anesthetic wears off. You'll generally be able to return to your normal routine that same day, although it's best to wait until the numbness is gone before chewing so you don't accidentally bite your tongue or cheek.
You may also notice that the treated tooth feels a little sensitive, especially when eating or drinking something hot or cold. This isn't unusual after a filling and typically improves over the following days or weeks. If the discomfort gets worse, doesn't go away, or you notice pain when biting down, give our office a call so we can take a look.
Taking care of a filling isn't much different from caring for your natural teeth. Keep brushing twice a day, floss daily, and don't skip your regular dental appointments. During your check-ups at Northside Dental, we'll examine your existing fillings for signs of wear, damage, or new decay. Fillings can last for years, but they aren't permanent. If one breaks, becomes loose, or falls out, contact us to have it checked before the exposed tooth develops additional problems.
We know it's not always easy to find time for the dentist, particularly when you're balancing work and family responsibilities. At Northside Dental, we try to make scheduling convenient and keep your visits running on time. Whether you're coming in for a filling, a cleaning, or bringing your children for their appointments, we're here to help your family stay on top of their dental health.
To schedule an appointment, call 317-342-9446 or visit Northside Dental at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.