Restoring Your Smile: Dental Fillings at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, MI
If you have never had a cavity, congratulations! If you have had one, you are not alone. About 78% of us have had at least one cavity by the time we reach age 17. Fortunately, there’s a time-tested treatment for cavities: the dental filling.
Fillings do just what the name implies—seal a small hole in your tooth, i.e., a cavity, caused by decay. This prevents the decay (a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading further into your tooth and, if untreated, continue on to the sensitive inner pulp (nerve) tissue. Should that happen, you would need root canal treatment. Schaefer Dental Group offers various filling options to protect your teeth in Lansing, Michigan.
The Process of Getting a Filling
The process of filling a tooth is similar regardless of the material used:
- Examination: The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with x-rays, to determine the extent of the decay.
- Anesthesia: Your tooth will be anesthetized first, so you won’t feel any discomfort. If you are nervous, anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed.
- Decay Removal: The decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually with a dental drill.
- Bonding: The remaining tooth structure is roughened or “etched” with a mildly acidic solution; then translucent cement is applied to bond the tooth and the filling material together.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are two broad categories of dental fillings: metal fillings and tooth-colored fillings. Each may offer particular advantages and disadvantages:
Metal Fillings
- Amalgam (“Silver” Filling): An alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. These fillings are strong and inexpensive, but noticeable and require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling).
- Cast Gold: Among the most expensive restorative dental materials, cast gold combines gold with other metals for a very strong, long-lasting filling.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Composite: A popular choice for those who don’t want their fillings to show, composite is a mixture of plastic and glass that bonds to the rest of the tooth. They are more aesthetic, require less drilling than amalgam, and newer materials are nearly as long-lasting.
- Porcelain: These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don’t stain as composites can. While considered the most aesthetic, they can also be brittle.
- Glass Ionomer: Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings blend in and release small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay, though they generally don’t last as long as other materials.
What to Expect After Getting a Filling
The numbness caused by your local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, it’s best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal in the first couple of weeks. If it persists beyond that, or you have any actual pain when biting, it could signal that an adjustment to your filling needs to be made. Continue to brush and floss as normal every day, and visit the dental office at least twice per year for your regular checkups and cleanings. And remember, tooth decay is a very preventable disease; with good oral hygiene and professional care, you can make your most recent cavity your last!