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Dental Fillings FAQ
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a treatment used to restore a tooth damaged by decay or fracture to its normal function and shape
What happens during a filling procedure?
Your dentist will numb the area, remove the decayed or broken portion of the tooth, clean the space, and bond a filling material to your tooth.
How long does it take to get a filling?
A single dental filling typically takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete, depending on the size and location of the cavity
What types of filling materials are available?
The most common options for a filling are composite resins. These are tooth-colored filling materials. Depending on the size of the cavitation, a porcelain restoration may be placed called an onlay.
Do you do silver amalgam fillings? Are amalgam fillings safe?
No, all filling materials done at our office are tooth colored restorations that do not have metal in them.
Amalgam fillings however, are considered safe. All major health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the FDA, confirm that dental amalgam is a safe and reliable choice for filling cavities. There is no need to remove metal restorations unless there is an underlying problem with them.
Does getting a filling hurt during or after a procedure?
No. Local anesthetic is used to numb your tooth and the surrounding area so that you will not feel pain during the procedure.
After the anesthetic has worn off, you may feel mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days which is normal. These symptoms subside over time.
What post op care do I need to following after a filling and how long do they last?
After receiving a composite (tooth-colored) filling, you can eat right away. Treat the filling like you would any of your teeth and brush twice daily and floss.
Fillings typically last between 5 to 15 years depending on the size of the filling, the location of the cavity, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene habits.