What Is a Dental Filling and When Do I Need One?
A dental filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay. We remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the space with a durable material, restoring its shape and sealing it off from bacteria. Cavities are common. The CDC reports that one in five adults ages 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity. Because early cavities often cause no pain, regular exams are the best way to find them. You may need a filling if you notice:
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
- Pain When Biting down on food or clenching
- A Visible Hole or dark spot on a tooth
- Trapped Food catching repeatedly in the same place
- A Rough Edge on a tooth feeling chipped or sharp
If a toothache is severe or does not let up, call us right away for emergency dental care.
What Types of Dental Fillings Are Available?
Our team places both tooth-colored composite fillings and amalgam fillings. Composite fillings blend in with your natural teeth, and they usually require less healthy tooth to be removed. Amalgam fillings are made of strong metals, which makes them very durable. We recommend a material based on the cavity’s size and location, your bite, and your budget.
What Happens During a Dental Filling Appointment?
We start by numbing the tooth and surrounding area so you stay comfortable. Once the area is numb, we remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the space thoroughly so no bacteria are left behind. Taking out only the damaged portion helps us keep as much of your healthy tooth as possible.
Next, we place the filling. We place a tooth-colored composite in layers and harden it with a curing light, or pack an amalgam filling into the prepared space. Finally, we shape the filling and check your bite so it feels natural when you chew. If anything feels high or uneven, we adjust it before you leave. Most fillings take a single visit, and you can usually return to your normal day once the numbness fades.
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Filling?
Life gets busy, but cavities do not heal on their own. Untreated decay can reach deeper into the tooth and allow bacteria to cause infection, which may lead to more involved treatment and, in serious cases, tooth loss. Treating a cavity early is almost always simpler, faster, and less costly.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
With good care, fillings can last for many years. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with exams and cleanings help protect both the filling and the surrounding tooth. Fillings can wear over time, so we check them at each visit.
