Tooth sensitivity? A filling can be the simplest and most cost-effective way to help prevent more complicated dental procedures in the future.
Dental fillings can immediately relieve sensitivity while helping to prevent more serious (and costly) oral health issues.
At Aspen Dental, our number one priority is to help you get out of pain. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the faster we can help prevent further damage to your tooth.
YES:
Sugary foods and poor dental hygiene may cause cavities, but a dental filling can stop tooth decay in its tracks.
YES:
Experiencing sensitivity in a tooth with an old filling? It may be damaged and time for a new one.
NO:
Too late—a root canal and crown or tooth extraction may be needed to relieve pain or stop an infection deep in the tooth.
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In as little as 30-60 minutes, from start to finish, we can remove decay, fill a cavity and restore your bite.
A local anesthetic is applied to make sure you’re comfortable.
Any decay will be removed from the affected tooth or teeth.
The chosen type of filling will be applied to the affected area.
A bite check makes sure your teeth are comfortably aligned.
The top choice for tooth restoration—a resin is made to match your tooth’s shade giving them a natural appearance.
For dental emergencies or short-term solutions, like closing up a root canal before getting a permanent filling.
Commonly used for children and small cavities, these fillings release fluoride, which can help prevent further tooth decay.
Silver tooth fillings (amalgam filling) are durable, cost-effective and can contain metals such as mercury, silver, tin and copper.
Hear from patients like you about their Aspen Dental experience.
The care team is willing to work around your schedule. They also explained the insurance and out-of-pocket payment. I had two fillings done and my dentist took time to explain everything prior, during and after the services.
Madap S.
Lebanon, PA
I had to get a cavity filled, and my dentist did an excellent job! There were a lot of patients getting work done and still, they took the time and care to make sure that I left happy and comfortable with my bite.
Isabelle M.
Warrington, PA
A tooth filling is a dental restoration treatment used to repair a decayed, cracked or damaged tooth. It involves removing the affected portion of the tooth and filling the hole with a dental material to restore its structure, function and integrity.
A tooth gap filling, or dental bonding, is a cosmetic procedure to close spaces or gaps between teeth. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the affected area, which is then shaped and polished to blend in with your surrounding teeth. This is a good option if you wish to improve the appearance of your smile by addressing gaps, irregular spacing or minor cosmetic imperfections.
Typically, a straightforward filling procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Your dental filling procedure could be different depending on the size and location of your cavity, the type of filling material used and the dentist's technique. If you have multiple cavities or need more complex treatment, the procedure may take longer.
Here’s what you can expect at your dental filling appointment.
First, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth.
Using a local anesthetic, your dentist will numb the affected area to make sure you’re comfortable during the procedure. Then, using a dental drill or other instruments, your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth, clean out the cavity by shaping it and ensuring it's free of any debris.
Next, the filling material is applied to the prepared cavity.
The type of filling material can vary—common options include composite resin, amalgam, gold or porcelain. Composite resin is popular because it can be color-matched to your natural tooth shade. Amalgam, once the filling of choice, is a less commonly used material but still sometimes preferred for back teeth where chewing forces are stronger.
Lastly, your dentist will shape the dental filling and polish it.
Your dentist will make sure your dental filling fits well with your bite and looks natural. Afterward, you may experience some numbness in the area, which typically wears off within a few hours.
After getting a filling, it's common to experience some degree of sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth. This may happen if you have initial sensitivity, a high filling that requires adjustment, irritation of the tooth's nerve during the procedure, or, in rare cases, underlying issues like infection or an allergic reaction to the filling material.
If you experience persistent or severe pain after a dental filling, you should contact your dentist immediately for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
Generally, tooth-colored composite fillings can last five to 10 years, while silver amalgam fillings may last 10 to 15 years. The lifespan of tooth fillings depends on factors like the filling material used, your oral hygiene, diet and the location of your filling.
However, with proper care and regular dental check-ups, your fillings can often last longer. Follow your Aspen Dental dentist’s advice on maintaining and monitoring your fillings for the best results.
Typically, immediate sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks may occur right after the procedure, but this usually diminishes within a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new filling. Mild soreness or discomfort in the tooth and surrounding gums can also be expected for a short period. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage this discomfort.
If the pain persists beyond a week, continues to worsen, becomes more sensitive to hot liquids or foods or if you notice other concerning symptoms such as swelling or throbbing pain, it may indicate a need for further evaluation by your dentist. Persistent discomfort could suggest issues such as an uneven bite caused by a high filling. In such cases, contacting your Aspen Dental dentist for a follow-up appointment is recommended to address any underlying problems and ensure your comfort and oral health are properly managed.
Yes, you can eat after getting a filling, but it's recommended to wait until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Typically, this takes a couple of hours. During this time, it's best to avoid eating to prevent accidentally biting your tongue, cheeks or lips due to numbness. Once the anesthesia wears off and you regain normal sensation in your mouth, you can resume eating.
It's also advisable to start with soft foods and avoid chewing on the side where the filling was placed if you experience any discomfort or sensitivity. Hot and cold foods or drinks might initially cause sensitivity, so consuming foods at a moderate temperature can help minimize discomfort. If you feel any unusual pain, sensitivity or have difficulty chewing after eating, it's a good idea to contact your dentist for further guidance.