Are you experiencing tooth pain? You might have a tooth cavity!
A dental filling repairs decayed, worn or damaged teeth. Dental fillings can be made of different materials. In our Marietta dental office, we use tooth-colored restorations to improve the strength, health and beauty of your teeth.
Our cosmetic dentists, Dr. Michael Mulkey and our team can select from many different materials for your tooth filling, including composite resin and porcelain.
The Dental Fillings Process
We provide fillings for tooth decay and cavities to adults and children. The process is quick and relatively pain-free. Your dentist will review the process with you before starting any procedure. For those with dental anxiety, we will offer you oral sedation options to help you relax.
The first step is a thorough dental exam. Your dentist will take x-rays and conduct a standard exam and facial analysis. When your dentist detects cavities, we will offer you the chance to get them filled the same day. We want you to be in and out so you can get back to your life.
If you decide to get your tooth cavities filled, we will begin by applying a numbing solution to the affected area. This will help drastically reduce the pain and discomfort.
When the area is fully numb, we will begin cleaning out the cavity. All of the decayed parts of the tooth will be removed to restore your tooth and make way for the filling material. The composite material dries and hardens almost instantaneously. We require that you do not eat or drink anything for at least to hours after your dental filling procedure.
Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are also known as white fillings. They are made of composite resin material. This material is quick-setting, and when it hardens, it’s as strong as your natural teeth. The tooth-colored filling procedure at Lost Mountain Dental is just one of our many cosmetic dentistry services. They offer many benefits to patients. Here’s a few:
- The color of the composite filling material closely matches your tooth color. It will look like there’s nothing there and most people won’t even know that you even have fillings!
- Composite fillings are bonded to your tooth. This adds much more strength to the filled tooth than non-bonded fillings such as a metal amalgam.
- Because of the bonding process, composite fillings seal the tooth from further decay. This process is more likely to help reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Composite fillings are metal free and don’t contain any mercury. Metal amalgam fillings typically consist of about 50% Mercury.
Replace Old Metal Fillings
Your Lost Mountain dentist can replace old, dark amalgam fillings to freshen up your smile and improve the integrity of the tooth. If you have dark fillings, discuss how new white fillings could enhance your smile at your next visit to Lost Mountain Dental.
Tooth Colored Filling FAQ’s
Do tooth colored fillings last as long as metal fillings?
Because the material used for the filling is less durable as metal fillings, tooth colored fillings are almost always a more aesthetically minded choice. That being said, with proper oral health and hygiene, your tooth colored filling could last up to 15 years.
How do you know when a filling is going bad?
Besides feeling pain and becoming sensitive to hot and cold foods, you may also feel food getting stuck in your tooth where the filling once was. You may also feel something hard as you bite down indicating your filling has fallen out. Regardless of the indication, it’s extremely important to consult with your dentist if you believe a filling is failing.
Are fillings painful?
This is often an over-exaggeration and worry held by those that have never had a filling. Because you will undergo a local anesthetic, you should feel no pain during your procedure. If you do, it is important to notify your dentist immediately. Some mild discomfort may occur after your procedure. Your dentist may prescribe a pain medication for this.
How long do tooth colored fillings last?
Tooth colored fillings typically last about 10 years. With proper care and diet they may last up to 15.
Do fillings match tooth color?
Yes! Tooth-colored fillings match to the color of your teeth because we use composite resin. Composite resin materials can match any shade of tooth color with simple customization by your dentist.
Can you get white fillings on front teeth?
Yes. If you have cavities on your front teeth, we recommend composite fillings. This is the most popular option for fillings on the front of teeth, or parts of your smile that are highly visible.
Can you change the color of your filling?
There is no method to change the color of a filling other than to remove the previous filling and replace it with a new one. Composite fillings color is permanent and cannot be changed without replacement.
How long does it take for a filling to harden?
Your filling should be fully hardened by the time that you leave the office. After we place the filling, we will use a blue UV light on your filling to help it cure immediately.
Do fillings fall out?
Unfortunately, dental fillings are not permanent. They typically last upwards of ten years, and need replacing after. However, it is rare for them to fall out.
Schedule your Dental Fillings Procedure Online
Request your next appointment online today. The dentists at Lost Mountain Dental provide dental fillings for all ages with excellent results. We are your experienced dentists in Cobb County, Georgia. Give us a call today.