Fillings
You may be wondering, “If it’s called a filling, why does it involve drilling a hole?”
Fillings aren’t like bandages: we can’t just cover up the damage and expect it to get better. Unlike most other parts of your body, teeth cannot heal themselves when they are damaged or infected.
In order to restore a tooth back to the way it should be, we have to remove the decay first. That’s what we’re doing when we use the drill when applying a filling. Yes, it does make the hole caused by the decay a little bigger temporarily, but it’s better than leaving any decay that could hurt your tooth more in the long run.
What Types of Filling Materials Are Available?
At our office we prefer to use new and advanced tooth fillings made of tooth-colored materials. This material is made of durable composite resin or porcelain.
Tooth-colored fillings are used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well, depending on the location and the extent of tooth decay.
We practice holistic dentistry to provide patients with composite fillings and safe mercury removal of old silver fillings. Find out more about our Holistic Dentistry services.
Questions Our Patients Ask
Q: Does getting a dental filling hurt?
A: Getting a dental filling should not be painful. It is very common to feel nervous about the drill or the sound of dental treatment, but your tooth will be numbed before the filling begins so you can stay comfortable throughout the appointment.
At Cleveland Smile Center, we use gentle techniques to remove tooth decay and restore the damaged area of the tooth. The drill is simply used to clean out the decay so your dentist can place a strong, natural-looking filling. Most patients are surprised by how quick and manageable the process feels.
Q: Why do you use tooth-colored fillings instead of silver fillings?
A: Cleveland Smile Center uses tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, because they blend naturally with your smile. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings are matched to the shade of your tooth, so they are much less noticeable when you talk, laugh, or smile.
Tooth-colored composite fillings also bond directly to the tooth structure. This helps support the tooth while restoring the area damaged by decay.
Q: Should I replace my old silver fillings?
A: If you have old silver fillings, your dentist can evaluate them to see whether they are still protecting your teeth or should be replaced. Over time, silver fillings may wear down, loosen, or expand and contract with temperature changes. In some cases, this can contribute to small cracks or gaps around the filling.
Cleveland Smile Center offers silver filling replacement and safe mercury filling removal for patients who want to replace old amalgam fillings with natural-looking composite fillings. Your dentist will explain whether replacement makes sense based on the condition of your tooth and filling.
Q: How do I know if I need a filling?
A: You may need a tooth decay filling if a cavity has formed in your tooth. Teeth cannot repair decay on their own, so treating cavities early is important. A small filling can often prevent the decay from spreading and help you avoid more serious dental problems later.
Signs you may need a filling include tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, a visible dark spot or hole, food getting stuck in one area, or a rough edge on a tooth. However, some cavities do not cause symptoms at first, which is why routine dental exams and X-rays are important.
Q: Will my tooth-colored filling look natural?
A: Yes. One of the main benefits of tooth-colored dental fillings is that they are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Composite resin can be carefully shade-matched to your smile, making the filling difficult to notice.
Tooth-colored fillings can be used for cavities in both front and back teeth. They restore the damaged area while helping your smile look natural and healthy.
Have a question? Reach out to us!