DENTAL FILLING MARYSVILLE WA

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a fundamental part of restorative dentistry. They are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor cracks and chips. Essentially, dental fillings help restore the function and appearance of your teeth, allowing you to smile, chew, and speak with confidence. 

There are various terms you might hear when discussing dental fillings:

Tooth Fillings

Commonly used to refer to the material used to fill cavities.

Cavity Fillings

Specifically highlight their use in treating cavities.

Dental Restorations

A broader term that encompasses fillings, inlays, onlays, bridges, and crowns.

Our dentists at Dentistry @ Marysville are skilled in assessing your dental needs and determining the best type of filling for your specific situation.

Types of Dental Fillings

Understanding the different types of dental fillings can help you make informed decisions about your dental care. There are two main categories of fillings: direct and indirect.

Direct Fillings

Direct fillings are created and placed directly in your mouth during a single office visit. This method is efficient and effective for treating minor decay and damage. The most common materials used for direct fillings include:

Amalgam

This silver-colored material is durable and has been used in dentistry for many years. It consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper.

Resin Composite

These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are made from a resin base combined with powdered quartz, silica, or glass.

Glass Ionomer

Also tooth-colored, this material is made from silica glass powder and is often used for fillings near the gum line or in areas not subject to heavy chewing pressure.

Indirect Fillings

Indirect fillings are created outside of the mouth, typically in a dental laboratory, and then placed in the tooth during a second visit. This category includes inlays and onlays, which are used when a tooth has too much damage for a simple filling but not enough to require a crown. Common materials for indirect fillings are:

Gold

Known for its durability and strength, gold fillings are made from a mixture of gold and other metals like silver, tin, copper, or palladium.

Porcelain

These tooth-colored fillings are crafted from a blend of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and kaolin, and offer a natural look.

The Dental Filling Procedure

At Dentistry @ Marysville, we prioritize your comfort and ensure that each step of the dental filling procedure is performed with precision and care. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

Initial Assessment and Anesthesia

The procedure begins with an examination of your teeth. Our dentist will identify any areas of decay or damage using visual inspection and possibly x-rays. 

Once the problem areas are identified, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area. This step ensures that you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Removing Decay and Preparing the Tooth

The next step involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. Our dentist will use specialized instruments to carefully clean out the affected area. 

After the decay is removed, the remaining cavity will be shaped to prepare it for the filling material. This preparation is crucial to ensuring that the filling adheres properly and restores the tooth’s function effectively.

Placing the Filling Material

Depending on the type of filling material chosen, the dentist will then proceed to place the filling into the prepared cavity. 

For resin composite fillings, a special curing light is used to harden the material in layers, ensuring a strong and durable restoration. For other materials like amalgam or glass ionomer, the filling is placed and then shaped to fit the contours of your tooth.

Finishing Touches

Once the filling material is set, the dentist will smooth and polish the filling to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural tooth structure.

Finally, your bite will be checked to make sure that the filling does not interfere with your normal chewing function. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit.

Throughout the procedure, our team is attentive to your needs and comfort, providing a supportive environment to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible. At Dentistry @ Marysville, we are committed to restoring your smile with the highest quality care and materials.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings offer numerous benefits that go beyond merely fixing a cavity. At Dentistry @ Marysville, we ensure that our fillings not only restore your teeth but also enhance your overall oral health. Here are some key benefits of getting dental fillings:

Restoration of Tooth Function and Structure

Fillings repair the damaged areas of your teeth, allowing you to chew and speak without discomfort. By filling cavities, we restore the tooth’s function and prevent further decay.

Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure

Dental fillings help preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. This is crucial for maintaining the strength and integrity of your teeth over the long term.

Aesthetic Improvement

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. This ensures that your smile looks natural and aesthetically pleasing.

Prevention of Further Decay

By sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter, fillings help prevent additional decay in the treated tooth. This reduces the risk of more extensive dental problems in the future.

Strengthening Weakened Teeth

Fillings can strengthen teeth that have been weakened by decay or damage. This helps improve the overall health and durability of your teeth, making them more resilient to chewing forces.

Longevity

With proper care, dental fillings can last many years. They are durable and designed to withstand the pressures of daily use, ensuring that your restored teeth remain healthy and functional.

Risks and Complications

While dental fillings are a common and generally safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of. At Dentistry @ Marysville, we take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome. 

Common Minor Side Effects

Tooth Sensitivity

After getting a filling, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This usually subsides within a few days or a week.

Gum Soreness

The area around the filled tooth might be slightly sore for a short period after the procedure. This is typically mild and temporary.

Possible Complications Requiring Additional Treatment

Throbbing Toothache

If you experience persistent pain, it could indicate that decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. This might require additional treatment, such as a root canal.

Pain When Biting

If your bite feels uneven or you experience pain while chewing, it might mean that the filling is interfering with your bite. Our dentist can easily adjust the filling to alleviate this issue.

Intense Sensitivity to Heat or Cold

Lingering pain after exposure to hot or cold stimuli could suggest nerve damage. In such cases, further treatment, like a root canal or tooth extraction, may be necessary.

Safety of Amalgam Fillings

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirm that silver (mercury-based) amalgam fillings are safe for most people. However, certain individuals may be at higher risk for adverse effects from mercury vapor exposure, including:

• Pregnant individuals and their developing fetuses.
• Those planning to become pregnant within a year.
• Breastfeeding individuals and their newborns.
• Young children, especially those under six years old.
• People with pre-existing neurological diseases or impaired kidney function.
• Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to mercury or other components of dental amalgam.

The FDA advises against removing existing amalgam fillings in people at higher risk unless the fillings are in poor condition, as removal can increase mercury exposure.

Aftercare and Recovery

Taking care of your dental fillings is essential for maintaining their durability and ensuring your overall oral health. At Dentistry @ Marysville, we provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly and keep your fillings in optimal condition. Here’s what you can expect after your filling procedure:

Post-Procedure Expectations

Immediate Recovery

Unless you received sedation, you should be able to return to your regular activities immediately after your appointment. It’s common to experience some numbness for a few hours due to the local anesthesia.

Managing Discomfort

Any minor discomfort or sensitivity can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®). This discomfort typically subsides within a few days.

Eating and Drinking

It’s advisable to wait until the numbness has completely worn off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheeks or tongue. If you do eat while still numb, chew slowly and cautiously. Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages immediately after the procedure, as your tooth might be sensitive.

Maintaining Your Fillings

Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine will help prevent further decay around the filling. 

You also need to attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings so that our dentist can monitor the condition of your fillings. This allows us to catch any potential issues early and address them promptly. Plus, try to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candies, which can crack or damage your fillings.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you experience severe pain that doesn’t subside with medication, a swollen face or jaw, or signs of infection such as fever or chills, contact our office immediately. It’s also important to reach out if your filling breaks or you notice any sharp edges or discomfort when biting.

Why Choose Dentistry @ Marysville for Dental Fillings?

Expertise and Experience

Our dentists have extensive experience and are highly skilled in performing each dental filling Marysville WA. We stay updated with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to provide you with the best care possible.

Patient-Centric Approach

We prioritize your comfort and make every effort to ensure a positive experience during your visit. From the moment you walk through our doors, our friendly and compassionate team is here to support you.

Advanced Materials and Techniques

We use high-quality materials for our dental fillings, ensuring durability and a natural appearance. Whether you need a composite resin filling for its aesthetic appeal or an amalgam filling for its strength, we have you covered.

Comprehensive Dental Services

In addition to dental fillings, we offer a wide range of dental services, including exams, cleanings, tooth extractions, emergency care, teeth whitening, and cosmetic dentistry. This means you can receive all your dental care under one roof.

Convenient and Family-Friendly Environment

Our practice is designed to be welcoming and comfortable for patients of all ages. We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful, so we strive to create a relaxing environment for you and your family.

Personalized Care

We believe in providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Our dentists take the time to understand your concerns and work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your situation.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Our practice is equipped with modern dental technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. This includes digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and advanced filling materials.

Book Your Appointment Today