What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a solution designed to fill in holes and gaps in your teeth, including those left behind by damage and decay. While dental fillings were partially made with metal in the past, today’s are typically made with a tooth-colored composite resin. This means modern fillings are less visible to others, the fix is more seamless, and patients don’t have to feel insecure or worried about how it’ll look. Patients will often need a filling for any signs of decay, especially cavities. However, dental fillings can also be used to address problems that have arisen due to wear and tear or trauma. These can be used to seal cracks, keeping harmful bacteria out and protecting your teeth from further damage or pain. They act like small guards for an individual tooth, kicking out bacteria and closing the gates on plaque and tartar that would otherwise come inside and run amok. If you’re embarrassed that you need a filling, just know you’re not alone. Statistics from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research indicate that almost 90% of adults aged 20 to 64 with teeth have had dental decay. This means the vast majority of people around you have either gotten or still need dental fillings to properly prevent further damage. By getting a filling, you’re taking the proper precautions and mitigating additional damage and risks.How Do You Know If You Need a Filling?
If you need a filling, it may not be obvious. In fact, you may not know you show any signs until you get an examination from your dentist at your next appointment. Your provider will also tell you if any fillings are getting old and need replacement. The following are strong signs that you need a dental filling and should see your dentist soon:- Toothache, including sharp, persistent, or throbbing pain
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food or drinks
- Visible hole in your tooth
- Discoloration on a tooth, such as white, brown, black, gray, or yellow spots you can visibly see in the mirror
- Bad breath, especially if the smell doesn’t go away after brushing; You may also find your mouth tastes funny
- Breaking or fraying floss, especially after going between specific teeth
- Rough feeling on the tongue when running over your pearly whites, indicating an unusual jagged point on your teeth
- Swelling around the gums
- Redness in the oral cavity
- Bleeding, including while brushing teeth or flossing
The Dental Filling Process: What to Expect
The dental filling process in Las Vegas is relatively straightforward, it’s easily the most common restorative procedure done in a dental office. Your dentist will generally apply a local anesthetic to numb the gums and the immediate area around the affected tooth if they are not using a laser. We’ll then remove any decay with a laser or other instruments, clean the area, and work on the filling. The dental composite we use needs to be hardened with a UV curing light, speeding up the process. We can then polish the filling so it feels smooth and your bite feels normal. Depending on the size of the filling, we can finish up work in as little as 20 minutes. If you have any questions about the filling process, you’re welcome to contact us or speak directly with your provider. We’re happy to provide helpful answers and make the process as peaceful and comfortable as possible.Frequently Asked Questions
What are composite dental fillings and how do they work?
We get it—dealing with a cavity or chipped tooth isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. But what if restoring your smile was quick, seamless, and nearly invisible? That’s where composite dental fillings come in! Think of them as your tooth’s perfect disguise – they’re tooth-colored to match the appearance of your natural teeth and made from a mix of resin and ceramic or powdered glass. Not only are they less visible than traditional silver-colored amalgam fillings, but they’re also better at forming to your tooth than those traditional options. The process is quite quick and painless – your provider will prepare and clean out the area, apply the filling material, and then cure the material with a UV light. It’s like giving your tooth a natural-looking makeover that helps you live longer and smile more!
When do I need a composite dental filling?
Generally, you’ll need a composite dental filling to address dental damage like cavities or chips in your teeth. But there are some warning signs that mean you should talk to your dentist sooner rather than waiting for your next appointment! These include increased sensitivity to pressure, heat, or cold, dark spots, holes, or pits on your teeth, food getting stuck between certain teeth more frequently, flossing string tears (especially on a particular tooth), a broken or lost filling, discomfort or pain that doesn’t go away, bad breath, swollen gums, or discoloration of the tooth. Think of these as your mouth’s way of asking for help! If you’re experiencing any serious symptoms, we urge you to seek care as soon as possible. The sooner you take action and prioritize your health, the better your chances of preserving your natural teeth and smile.
What are the advantages of composite fillings over traditional fillings?
Composite fillings are amazing – they’re like the superhero version of dental fillings! They seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, are long-lasting (up to 10 years), are less invasive compared to traditional fillings, offer quick and easy treatment, provide reduced risk of infection, create stronger enamel, and improve stability to teeth and surrounding structures. Think of it as getting the best of both worlds – not only do they look incredible, but they also boost your smile and improve the overall function and stability of your teeth and oral cavity. When you get composite dental fillings, whether for a large cavity or a small-scale improvement, you’re not just prioritizing your aesthetic wishes – you’re also setting yourself up for a better and healthier life in the long term!
What makes Dee for Dentist special for composite fillings?
At Dee for Dentist, we prioritize treatments that enhance both the function and appearance of your smile! Our Las Vegas composite dental fillings are crafted with advanced materials to seamlessly match your natural teeth, offering a durable and aesthetic solution for cavities or minor damage. We combine advanced dental care with a patient-first approach to ensure you feel confident and cared for every step of the way. With our state-of-the-art technology and commitment to patient comfort, we provide care designed to make your dental visits efficient and stress-free. Our cutting-edge techniques and commitment to precision mean we aim to restore your dental health while prioritizing your comfort and satisfaction. Trust our team to help you restore your smile with precision and care – we’re here to make the process smooth and nearly invisible!
How can I schedule my composite filling appointment at Dee for Dentist?
If you’re ready to enhance your smile and protect your oral health, we’d love to help! You can contact Dee for Dentist by calling our Silverado Ranch office at (702) 747-6469 or our Medical District office at (702) 903-7299, or visit our contact form to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you and working together toward your smile goals, all while relying on our patient-centered practices and state-of-the-art techniques. Let us show you how composite fillings can make a difference in your confidence and well-being – we want you to be aware of all the amazing benefits and help you boost your smile while taking full advantage of your options. Come see how we can help restore your smile with precision and care!
