Dental fillings are a commonly used treatment option for mild to moderate tooth decay. Dental fillings allow Dr. Dham to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible while removing and restoring a tooth affected by decay and cavities. Fillings replace the infected area, and restore function to teeth.
Westside Dental Center offers several styles of dental fillings for more personalized treatment options. Different types of fillings may be used for different needs. We make every effort to preserve a patient’s natural smile by offering conservative treatment options that promote long-term oral health.
Visit our dentists in Plantation, FL, for routine dental exams and tooth fillings. Routine dental cleanings and examinations allow us to discover and treat cavities before they have time to spread.
Types of Dental Fillings
- Resin Dental Fillings: White dental fillings are the cosmetic solution to traditional fillings. Metal-free, resin fillings are designed to match the color of the natural tooth for a more aesthetically pleasing result. White dental fillings are highly durable and can be used to treat mild to moderate tooth decay. Patients may choose to replace old silver fillings with more natural-looking white fillings.
- Inlay & Onlay: Inlays and Onlays are used to address more advanced decay affecting large surface areas or deep crevices on the crown of the tooth. Onlays are used to cover the cusps of a tooth, while inlays are used to fill the area between cusps. Made of dental grade porcelain an inlay or onlay is a highly durable solution that seals out bacteria preventing future damage to the tooth.
A dental filling is a routine dental procedure that is typically completed in just one visit to our Plantation, FL, dental office. Dental fillings are a minimally invasive procedure and patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.
A patient who suffers from dental anxiety may discuss sedation dentistry options with Dr. Dham prior to their procedure. Sedation dentistry can help patients who fear the dentist feel comfortable enough to receive the dental care they need. Sedation can be used to calm the patients nerves before their filling.
Dr. Dham will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic or sedation method if necessary. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the filling.
Any infected tissue is removed and then the dental filling material is injected into the tooth filling the space where the tissue was removed. Then, Dr. Dham will set the filling using a special light that activates the hardening agent.
The Dental Filling Procedure
A dental filling is a routine dental procedure we typically complete in just one visit to our Plantation dental office. Dental fillings are minimally invasive, and patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.
Patients with dental anxiety may discuss sedation dentistry options with Dr. Dham before their procedure. Sedation dentistry can help patients who fear the dentist feel comfortable receiving dental care.
If necessary, Dr. Dham will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic or sedation method. We clean and prepare the area thoroughly for the filling.
The dental filling material is injected into the tooth, filling the space where the tissue was removed. Then, Dr. Dham will set the filling using a special light that activates the hardening agent.
Dental Filling FAQs
Do you have further questions about how dental fillings can correct cavities? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions.
Do fillings break down over time?
Fillings behave similarly to natural teeth, so they may break down over time. Fillings are durable and should last a long time, however poor oral care can shorten their lifespan.. It is important to take good care of your filling and the rest of your teeth to reduce the potential for future decay.
How many times can a tooth filling be replaced?
Your dentist can replace a tooth filling many times, until the hole becomes too large. Every time we place a filling, we have to remove more infected tissue, so the more times we have to replace a filling the more tissue needs to be removed. If too much tissue has been removed we may choose a different restoration method. At this point, you will need to have a dental crown placed, or a tooth extraction and replacement.
What not to do after dental fillings?
After dental fillings we recommend patients avoid eating any chewy or sticky foods. Patients may also avoid extremely hot or cold drinks as their filling may be sensitive to temperature for a couple of hours. As anesthetic wears off and you become accustomed to your new filling, sensitivity will diminish and you may resume your normal routine.
Can you drink water after a filling?
After we place a filling and cure it, patients may drink as much water as they want. The filling sets almost immediately so waiting for everything to cure is not a concern. We recommend drinking room temperature water to avoid sensitivity to cold temperatures as this is common directly after the dentist places the filling.
Visit our dentists for dental fillings treatment in Plantation, FL. If you have tooth decay and need dental fillings, schedule a visit to our Broward County dentist office. We provide comprehensive dental services for all ages. Give us a call at (954) 251-0640 today.