Dental Fillings in Columbia, MD
Veneers on front upper teeth
Dental fillings are quite common nowadays, especially for people who suffer from repeated dental caries. The fact that fillings are common doesn’t mean that all of our patients in Columbia are familiar with them. At Model Dental Clinic, we still like to inform our patients and clients of all they need to know about different procedures.
Indications for Dental Fillings
Fillings are used to fill cavities in teeth. This provides structural support, protects the root canal and pulp, and eliminates bacterial hiding spots. Not everyone in the general population needs dental fillings because that would be unnecessary.
They’re indicated mainly for cavities before the root canal becomes afflicted with an infection. Other indications are worn down teeth and for teeth that are broken or cracked.
Dental Fillings Steps
Local anesthesia is injected to numb the area we’ll be operating on here at Model Dental Clinic. We’ll then clean out any debris or decaying parts of your tooth. It would be wrong to apply fillings without first removing the decay.
After the tooth has been cleaned and well prepared, the filling is applied. Types of fillings are gold, amalgam, and composite. Composite fillings are the ones that resemble the natural color of our teeth the most. Gold and amalgam fillings, however, are more resilient and have a longer life.
Taking Care of Your Fillings
Don’t expect fillings to last a lifetime and never need to be replaced because you’ll be disappointed. They can last for years and even up to a decade if you take care of them properly.
Taking care of your fillings is a lot like taking care of your teeth and oral hygiene. Brush your teeth well 2-3 times each day and consistently floss. Visiting your dentist regularly, preferably twice a year, can improve your overall oral hygiene and help you identify and treat issues before they produce symptoms.
Fillings Complications
All procedures carry a risk of complications. Our dentist near you have enough experience to minimize their occurrence and take good care of you.
The infection of the pulp is a complication that can occur if the dental cavity is deep. Allergies to the type of filling used may also occur, particularly with mercury amalgams.
FAQs
Yes. Cavities between teeth can often be treated with a filling after the decay is removed. Your dentist may use an examination and X-rays to determine the size and location of the cavity and whether a filling is the appropriate restoration.
A filling can occasionally have a rough or sharp edge immediately after placement, particularly once the numbness wears off. If your tongue keeps catching on the area or the tooth feels uncomfortable, contact your dentist so the filling can be checked and smoothed if necessary.
Some short-term sensitivity can occur after a filling, but pain specifically when biting may mean the filling is interfering with your bite. A dentist can check the way your teeth come together and adjust the filling if needed. Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated.
Yes. A filling removes the decayed portion of the tooth and restores the resulting space with restorative material. However, the tooth can still develop new decay around the filling, so brushing, flossing, fluoride use, and regular dental visits remain important.
If a cavity has caused extensive damage, a filling may not provide enough support to restore the tooth. Based on how much tooth structure is left, your dentist might suggest getting a crown or another type of restoration. If decay has affected the pulp, root canal treatment may also be necessary.
Our goal is to get the perfect smile option in Columbia, MD and we are proudly accepting new patients across the following areas: