Tooth Fillings

What are tooth fillings?

Tooth fillings are materials that dentists use to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, or to repair teeth with minor chipping or fracturing. Their job is to restore your tooth to its original structure and function. They also protect teeth from outside damage, prevent further tooth decay, and stop any pain associated with cavities.

To prepare the tooth, The Doctor first removes any existing tooth decay or damage and then cleans the affected area. Once your tooth is free of the offending material, he fills it with the filling material. Finally, he shapes the filling so that it looks natural, and hardens it so that it lasts longer.

What are fillings made of?

At Charlotte Dental Esthetics, the doctor offers amalgam (silver) fillings and composite fillings. Dentists have been using amalgam fillings for over 100 years. They’re strong, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. They’re best for teeth in the back of the mouth, like the molars, because they aren’t as visible back there, and they hold up better against chewing.

Composite fillings are made from a mix of plastic resins, which we can create to match your tooth color exactly. They aren’t as durable as amalgam fillings, but they hold up well against regular chewing. Composite fillings are ideal for small- to medium-sized repairs in visible teeth.

Does the filling procedure hurt?

Getting a dental filling shouldn’t be painful. To minimize your discomfort, The Dentist administers local anesthetic before prepping your tooth. First, she applies a numbing gel to your gums to lessen the sting of the anesthetic injection. Then, she injects the numbed area with lidocaine.

Once the doctor has numbed the area, you won’t feel any pain. However, you will still be awake, and you’ll feel some pressure during the procedure. If for any reason you do feel pain, let the Dentist know. Your comfort is of the utmost importance.

After your appointment, you may notice some sensitivity in your teeth. Typically, this fades after a few days. If the sensitivity in your teeth lasts longer than a week, contact our dentist for a checkup.

If you believe you’re suffering with a cavity or you’ve damaged your tooth, reach out to the team at Charlotte Dental Esthetics. Take care of your smile by calling or scheduling an appointment online today.