Fillings Specialist
Cavity Care
Filling Services
More than 90% of American adults have cavities, also called tooth decay. Cavities are tiny holes that develop when bacteria eat away at your tooth enamel. These holes get bigger if left untreated. Dental fillings can stop the damage. Michelle Hwang, DDS, and her team at Smile for Miles Dental specialize in fillings for people of all ages. Schedule an appointment online or call the Colleyville, Texas, office today.
Michelle Hwang, D.D.S.
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist serving Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, TX and Surrounding Areas
What are tooth fillings?
Nearly 1 in 4 adults have untreated cavities, which can lead to pain, infection, and even more complex dental procedures if not addressed with fillings.
Fillings not only restore the function of your teeth but also help prevent future decay by sealing off vulnerable areas where bacteria can enter.
As your trusted tooth filling dentist, you can schedule an appointment online or call our Colleyville, Texas office today to care for your dental needs.
Fillings not only restore the function of your teeth but also help prevent future decay by sealing off vulnerable areas where bacteria can enter.
As your trusted tooth filling dentist, you can schedule an appointment online or call our Colleyville, Texas office today to care for your dental needs.
Types of Filling Materials Available
Several materials are used for fillings, each with distinct characteristics:
- Composite Resin: Matches the color of natural teeth and is ideal for visible areas.Perfect for those seeking a composite teeth filling.
- Dental Amalgam: A durable, silver-colored material for back teeth, known for its strength and longevity.
- Glass Ionomer: Releases fluoride and is often used for fillings below the gum line.
- Resin Ionomer: Offers added strength and is used in areas with less pressure.
- Ceramics: Durable and natural-looking, often used for larger restorations and inlays.
Are Amalgam Fillings Safe?
Dental amalgam, made from silver, mercury, tin, and copper, has been used safely for over a century. Though mercury in these fillings raises concerns, research shows they are safe for most people. If you have health concerns, talk to your dentist.
How Should I Care for My Teeth With Fillings?
Proper care of teeth with fillings involves:
- Oral Hygiene Practices: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
- Avoiding Certain Foods: Limit intake of sticky, hard, or sugary foods that can damage the filling.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to your dentist help ensure that fillings remain in good condition and that surrounding teeth are healthy.
When to Contact a Dentist After a Filling
Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Persistent pain or sensitivity in the filled tooth.
- Changes in the shape or feel of the filling.
- Any signs of infection, such as swelling or pus.
Choosing the best dental implant clinic
Understanding tooth fillings and their importance is key to maintaining a healthy smile. At Smile for Miles Dental Clinic, our skilled team ensures your fillings are done with care.
With our expert dentist for cavities, regular check-ups, and good oral hygiene, your fillings and overall dental health will stay in great shape. Dental decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S., so awareness and timely treatment with fillings are essential for their health.
Why Do You Need a Tooth Filling?
There are several reasons why a tooth filling might be necessary:
- Preventing Tooth Decay: Fillings stop decay from spreading and protect your tooth from more damage. They’re key for effective tooth decay filling and keeping your smile healthy.
- Restoration of Tooth Function: They restore the tooth’s ability to chew and perform daily functions.
- Aesthetic Improvements: Fillings can enhance the appearance of a tooth by closing gaps and repairing chips or cracks. Ideal for cavity repair.
What Are Indirect Fillings?
Indirect fillings are great for larger cavities or spots that need a precise fit. Made in a dental lab, these custom fillings are placed into the cavity to ensure complete cavity repair. Types include:
- Inlays: Fit within the cusps of a tooth.
- Onlays: Cover one or more cusps and are often used for larger restorations.
What’s a Temporary Filling and Why Would I Need One?
A temporary filling is used as a short-term solution while waiting for a permanent filling. They are often used when:
- Immediate treatment is needed, but a permanent solution cannot be completed in one visit.
- The tooth needs protection while waiting for a lab-made filling.
Will Fillings Need to Be Replaced?
Fillings may need to be replaced due to:
- Wear and Tear: Over time, fillings can wear down, especially in high-pressure areas.
- New Decay: Decay can develop around the filling, necessitating a replacement for effective tooth decay filling.
- Damage: Fillings can crack or become loose, requiring repair or replacement.
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Fillings
Q & A
Fillings Wisdom Unleashed! Check our Q&A to demystify the art of dental fillings. Your questions answered, your smile perfected.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings treat cavities, cracks, and other kinds of tooth damage. Fillings are a simple but effective dental procedure. Most people have at least one filling.
Fillings are common because cavities are common. Cavities develop when bacteria create tiny holes in the enamel (the surface) of your teeth. The cavities expose the inner layers of your teeth, often causing pain and sensitivity. If they’re left untreated, cavities and decay will get worse.
Fillings effectively treat cavities. They remove bacteria and seal off the hole. Getting a filling stops decay from getting worse, and it can eliminate related symptoms.
Do I need dental fillings?
It’s essential to have all cavities treated. Untreated cavities destroy your teeth, but a filling stops the decay and restores your tooth’s strength.
Cavities start small, so you could have one without knowing it. Getting regular dental cleanings is the best way to find out if you have cavities. Sometimes, though, cavities cause noticeable symptoms like:
- Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods/drinks
- Pain when biting down
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Surface stains on a tooth
Along with treating cavities, fillings can be used in other dental restorations. Fillings can repair cracked, weak, or broken teeth. They can also repair damage from habits like teeth grinding or nail-biting.
What happens at dental filling appointments?
Most dental fillings are done in just one office visit. Dr. Hwang uses an intraoral scanner to evaluate the extent of your tooth decay, sometimes taking digital X-rays with an intraoral sensor.
The team thoroughly cleans your tooth, removing the areas affected by decay. They fill the hole with filling material and shape it to fit your bite.
Fillings can be made of composite resin, porcelain, or metal. Depending on the material used, the team cures (hardens) it. You’re then free to go about your day.
There’s no downtime after getting a filling. There’s no special care required. All you need to do is brush and floss daily and keep up with your routine dental cleanings.
Dental fillings protect and restore your teeth. To schedule your next appointment at Smile for Miles Dental, call the office today or book an appointment online.
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Designed with ❤️ from Reveation Labs. © 2024 Smile For Miles Dental. All Rights Reserved.