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What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a form of tooth repair where a chosen filling material is inserted into a small hole or cavity previously occupied by decayed tissue in a tooth. Fillings are some of the most common dental procedures done at Tanty Family Dental. If you have a cavity or chipped tooth, schedule an appointment with us to see if fillings are the best treatment for you.
Laser Tooth Fillings
Tanty Family Dental uses modern technology to ensure the most comfortable dental experience in Waukesha. Patients who wish to avoid needles and drills can opt for Solea laser tooth fillings instead. The computer-assisted laser removes tooth decay more precisely than a drill, eliminating only the damaged areas and leaving the healthy tooth structure untouched. Most patients feel a very mild sensation or nothing at all.
Matching the Natural Color of Your Teeth
Traditional silver amalgam is a common choice for filling dental cavities thanks to its low cost but can stick out when the surface of a filled tooth is visible. Composite dental fillings are able to match the shade of the surrounding tooth, resulting in a much more natural appearance.
Contact our staff for emergency dental services, insurance-billing information, or to learn more about Tanty Family Dental, the best comprehensive dental services in Waukesha, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Brookfield, Wales, and other Waukesha County, Wisconsin communities.
Fillings FAQs
What is a filling?
When your tooth becomes damaged or decayed, a material such as porcelain or composite is inserted into it to restore its original shape and function. They prevent further damage to your tooth by removing bacteria and closing the area off from further decay.
Is a filling painful?
Depending on your pain tolerance, tooth fillings may cause you a bit of discomfort. Anesthetics are administered before the procedure so you are numbed during the process. The pain or discomfort you experience from a filling can also depend on the size and depth, location, and the number of cavities you have.
What happens during a filling?
When you go to your dentist for a filling, your gums, teeth and adjoining skin will be numbed with a jelly-like substance before your affected tooth area is injected with an anesthetic. The dentist will drill out the decayed material using a laser, drill or air abrasion tool. After the decay is removed, the dentist will clean the area to fill the space with a filling material. The hole is filled to prevent further decay from bacteria buildup. Once the cavity is filled, the dentist will file and smooth the tooth so it functions like normal.
How long do fillings last?
Several factors will determine the durability of your filling. Your eating habits, dental hygiene, tooth grinding habits, and the type of material your filling used will give you a good idea of how long a particular filling could last.
How much does a filling cost?
The cost of your tooth filling will typically depend on how many cavities you have, where the cavity is located and what material you get for the filling.
Do fillings need to be replaced?
You may need to have your fillings replaced due to daily wear and tear. Over time, fillings can crack, leak or fall out to the point where they no longer protect the tooth from decay. Certain filling materials may become discolored over time, so you can have them replaced to blend with the rest of your natural teeth. If you experience sensitivity or pain in your filled tooth, you should have it examined to see if you need a replacement.
Are there alternatives to traditional fillings?
The need for fillings is to prevent tooth decay, but recent developments have given dentists new options to work with including root canal therapy and crowns or veneers. If a filling can't save your tooth, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to preserve your tooth root. If you have more severe decay, your dentist can remove part of the tooth and cover it with a crown or veneer.
Get a Complimentary Digital Smile Design with every service!
Digital Smile Design is a individualized, state-of-the-art tool that allows dental experts to plan your ideal smile using the most advanced technology. With Digital Smile Design (or DSD for short), you can look and feel your best.