Most of us will need a tooth filling at some point in our lives, but it’s difficult to know exactly when it’s necessary. While it’s important to keep up with daily dental routines, some people are more prone to tooth decay and may need tooth cavity treatments often. Moreover, filling a cavity as soon as possible can help prevent further decay that could lead to tooth loss in the future.
Comfortable Dental Fillings in Sacramento, CA
What Is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are a type of restoration treatment where one or more materials (composite, gold, porcelain, etc.) are used to fill an excavated part of a tooth. They are mostly used to replace a cavity (or decayed area of your tooth) after your dentist has removed all damaged matter. Fillings are also used when a tooth has been damaged, broken, or worn from grinding or misuse.
Traditional fillings are made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials.
Modern fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, called composite resins, are generally used on all the teeth.
Signs You May Need a Dental Filling
While tooth pain or discomfort is the most common sign of a cavity, there are numerous reasons why a dental filling may be necessary:
- A tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks
- Tooth pain when biting or chewing
- Dark spots on a tooth or visible signs of decay
- Chipped or broken teeth
- A broken or lost filling
If you think you need a dental filling in Sacramento, come to Natomas Crossing Dental Care so we can assess your situation and determine which cavity treatment is best for you.
For sudden tooth pain, broken teeth, missing fillings, and other emergent situations, consider emergency dental treatment in Sacramento.
What Tooth Filling Is Right for Me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations:
- The components used in the filling material
- How much of the tooth’s structure remains
- Where and how the filling is placed
- The chewing load that the tooth has to bear
- The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth
The ultimate decision about cavity fillings is best determined in consultation with your dentist. The cost of a dental fillings service also varies based on each patient’s unique circumstances. Our dentists at Natomas Crossing Dental Care discuss the options with each patient before treatment begins. To help you prepare for this discussion, it is helpful to understand the two basic types of fillings:
Direct fillings are placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. These include glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it during one appointment.
Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. These permanent tooth fillings include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges fabricated with gold, ceramics, or composites. During the first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary tooth filling restoration over the surface where the laboratory-fabricated fillings will be placed. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the restoration is created. During the following appointment, your dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.
What to Expect During Your Dental Filling Visit
At our Sacramento dental office, we focus on keeping you comfortable and informed throughout your visit. Here’s what to expect during your dental filling appointment:
- Initial numbing: Your appointment begins with local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures you feel no pain during the procedure – just slight pressure. If you’re especially nervous about your filling, conscious sedation dentistry could help to put you at ease.
- Decay removal: Once the area is numb, your dentist uses precision dental tools to remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. We are careful to preserve as much healthy enamel as possible during this step.
- The filling phase: After the tooth is cleaned and prepared, a tooth-colored composite material is applied in layers. Each layer is carefully shaped and then hardened instantly using a special curing light. This process creates a strong, durable restoration that looks just like your natural tooth.
- Final polishing: To finish, your dentist carefully shapes and polishes the filling so it feels smooth and comfortable when you bite down. Any final adjustments are made to ensure the filling looks natural and allows you to chew and speak normally.
Most dental filling visits are completed in one appointment, allowing you to return to your normal routine the same day.
We also provide gentle pediatric dental care, helping children feel comfortable and confident during dental fillings and other restorative treatments.
How Do I Care for My New Filling?
To avoid injury to your mouth, avoid chewing until the anesthesia has worn off following the placement of your filling. Take caution when drinking hot or cold foods, which can cause sensitivity in the first few days of having your new filling. If you experience discomfort, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your dentist.
Once your filling has been placed, it is important to continue to practice daily oral hygiene to keep the area clean. Gentle brushing and flossing every day will keep your teeth and gums healthy while protecting against future decay. With proper care, your new filling should be secure, and your tooth can be protected for many years.
FAQ
How much does a dental filling cost in Sacramento?
The cost of a dental filling varies based on the size of the cavity and the type of material used. Tooth-colored composite fillings may cost a bit more than basic options, but they blend in naturally with your teeth. Most dental insurance plans cover a large portion of filling costs, which helps to keep your out-of-pocket expenses manageable. Our team is happy to verify your insurance and provide a clear estimate before your filling.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Tooth-colored fillings usually last between 7 and 10 years. Their longevity mainly depends on your oral hygiene habits and where the filling is located. Fillings on back teeth tend to wear out faster due to chewing pressure.
Is it normal to have sensitivity after a filling?
Yes, mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods is normal for a few days after a filling. This sensitivity should gradually fade. You should contact our office if discomfort continues, becomes more intense, or if your bite feels uneven or “high.”
Can I eat immediately after my dental filling appointment?
It is best to wait until the local anesthesia has completely worn off to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Composite (white) fillings cure instantly; you can eat as soon as the numbness goes away.
What happens if I don’t get a cavity filled?
Without treatment, tooth decay can spread deeper into the tooth and reach the pulp (the root of the tooth). Delaying a simple filling may lead to more extensive and costly treatments down the line, such as root canals or dental crowns.
