Fillings in Willa Springs

Hours

Monday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesday

8:00am-4:00pm

Wednesday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Friday

8:00am - 2:00pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What are fillings and when do you need one?

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities and repair damaged or decayed teeth. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, harmful bacteria in your mouth can produce acids that erode the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can grow and eventually result in more extensive and costly dental problems.

The need for a filling could arise even without any symptoms. Asymptomatic pits on your teeth or a chipped tooth are just a few examples of preventative measures that fillings can help solve. At times, sensitivity to hot or cold foods while biting or chewing can cause discomfort and thus can be solved with a simple treatment like a filling. Regular dental check-ups are essential to catch these issues early, as small cavities are easier and less expensive to treat than more extensive ones.

By promptly addressing the need for fillings, you can maintain the health and integrity of your teeth, ensuring a confident smile and preventing more invasive dental procedures down the road. At Smile Design Dentistry, we specialize in providing high-quality fillings and restoring your dental health with a soothing, patient-centered approach that helps you stay comfortable and relaxed.

$49 New Patient Special — includes exam & digital X-ray! Most insurances are accepted.

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What are the different types of fillings?

There are a few different dental restoration options for filling a decayed tooth: composite fillings, inlays, and onlays. The type of filling you get can depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the cavity, overall aesthetics, durability, and the location of the filling within the mouth.

Composites, inlays, and onlays are all ideal for preserving your tooth’s natural appearance. Smile Design Dentistry can help you choose the best tooth restoration option based on your specific dental needs.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a popular choice for dental restoration because they are durable and match the natural color of your teeth. Composite fillings require minimal removal of healthy tooth during the placement process, so more of your natural tooth is preserved. In addition, composite materials bond directly to the tooth and don’t expand or contract with temperature changes. This means they reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity and offer tooth stability and support.

The downsides of composite fillings are that they may not last as long as other types of fillings, and they are more prone to staining or discoloration from substances like coffee, tea, or tobacco. However, good dental hygiene can help to prevent and preserve composite fillings.

Inlays

Inlays are a type of dental restoration used to repair and strengthen teeth affected by decay or damage. These custom-made pieces, typically made from materials like porcelain, are precisely fitted into the prepared tooth cavity. Their snug fit minimizes the risk of bacteria re-entering the tooth. Inlays offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore the function and appearance of the tooth and are often stain-resistant.

Like composite fillings, inlays preserve more of your natural tooth because they only require minimal removal of healthy tooth. However, the creation and placement of inlays typically requires two appointments, as the inlay is custom-made in a dental lab. This can be less convenient than single-visit solutions like direct composite fillings.

Onlays

Onlays, also known as partial crowns, are a versatile dental restoration option. Onlays are designed to cover and protect a larger portion of a damaged or decayed tooth than inlays, making them an effective solution for restoring a tooth’s shape and function. They are especially valuable when the tooth’s damage extends to its cusps or biting surfaces. Like inlays, they are custom-made out of porcelain, which is tooth-colored, durable, and stain-resistant.

Onlays are minimally invasive and help preserve a significant amount of healthy tooth structure since they cover only the damaged or decayed areas of a tooth. They are also a long-lasting solution because they can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. However, because onlays are made in a dental lab, like inlays they typically require multiple appointments for both creation and placement.

Fillings FAQs

What is a cavity?

Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are a common dental issue characterized by the gradual erosion of tooth enamel. They’re primarily caused by the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that eat away at the tooth’s protective layer. Over time, this process results in the formation of small holes, or cavities, in the teeth.

How long can I wait to get a cavity filled?

Tooth decay does not go away on its own; it continues to worsen over time. In just 3 to 6 months, tooth decay can reach your tooth’s nerve. It is best to get a cavity filled as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more damage your tooth will undergo, which could lead to more complications and dental procedures down the road, including dental crowns, root canals, or tooth extraction.

How long does it take to fill a cavity?

The time it takes to fill a cavity varies based on the type of filling, the size of the cavity, and the type of tooth being filled. Typically, a dental filling takes between 20 minutes and 1 hour.

What is the process for filling a cavity?

There are several steps to filling a cavity:

The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being filled.
The dentist drills, lasers, or uses an air abrasion instrument to remove the decay.
The dentist cleans the cavity to remove all debris and bacteria.
The dentist fills the tooth with the filling material.
The dentist polishes the filling.

Do fillings hurt?

No. Fillings are generally pain free because dentists apply a local anesthetic to the area surrounding the cavity which numbs the tooth before the procedure.

How long do tooth fillings usually last?

Depending on the material used, a filling can last between 7 and 20 years. Durability of filling materials can also be impacted by eating habits, dental hygiene, and tooth decay or trauma.

What materials are used in fillings?

Cavities in teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, glass ionomer, and composite resin fillings.

Are there any downsides to fillings?

No. The main risk of a dental filling is to not get one if it’s needed. Sometimes, a filling can pull away from the tooth or fall out completely, which can lead to infection or additional tooth decay if left untreated by a dentist.

What can I eat or drink after a filling?

Some dentists may recommend waiting 2 hours until the anesthetic wears off, avoiding sticky or hard foods, and choosing foods and beverages that are room temperature to avoid aggravating sensitivities.

Are there alternatives to fillings?

The best alternative to fillings is to prevent cavities altogether by practicing good dental hygiene: brushing, flossing, avoiding sugary drinks and snacks, and seeing a dentist regularly. Alternately, dental crowns can be used instead of composite, inlay, or onlay fillings and silver diamine fluoride can be used to treat cavities in children with non-permanent teeth.

What happens if I don’t get a filling?

If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth decay will eventually damage your tooth. It will destroy enamel and spread to the healthy parts of the tooth. If the decay reaches the nerve and blood vessels of a tooth, a filling will no longer help
save your tooth; a root canal will be required instead. If enough time passes, an untreated cavity will need to be extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge.

Fillings in Willa Springs

Quick Facts

Location

Hours

What are fillings and when do you need one?

What are the different types of fillings?

Composite Fillings

Inlays

Onlays

Fillings FAQs