What’s a tooth filling?
When a portion of your tooth is decayed or damaged, a dentist removes it and fills that space with a dental filling to avoid additional damage. A tooth filling restores your smile and improves your ability to chew without the need for more complicated procedures like a root canal or removal of your tooth.
Dental Care Olathe uses different materials to construct fillings such as:
- Cast gold fillings: These fillings are known for their durability and strength with a lifespan of 15-30 years.
- Silver fillings: These durable fillings last 10-15 years and are strong so they can withstand chewing forces.
- Ceramic fillings: These fillings can last more than 15 years. Additionally, because these fillings are made of porcelain, they are resistant to staining.
- Tooth-colored composites: These fillings last at least five years and provide an aesthetic look because the color of the composite filling can be matched to the color of your surrounding teeth.
Because all of these materials differ slightly, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Dental Care Olathe to determine which one best suits you.
What happens during the tooth filling procedure?
The skillful dentists use a local anesthetic to numb the area around your damaged tooth. They then use a drill or laser to remove the decayed area and clean the space of any excess bacteria and debris. Lastly, they fill the space with your preferred material which helps your tooth regain its structural stability.
After your procedure, your tooth may remain sensitive to heat and cold, and cause slight discomfort. Nonetheless, these symptoms should subside within two to three days.
How can I tell if I have a cavity?
Your mouth is naturally full of good and bad bacteria, and if you don’t brush and floss regularly, your teeth can begin to decay and form a cavity.
There are multiple symptoms that could be a sign of a cavity, including:
- Bad breath
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dark spots
- Pus
- Holes
Because a cavity can go unnoticed at its earliest stages, it’s important to keep up to date with your semi-annual checkups. If our staff detects your cavity early, it can save you from more painful dental issues such as a damaged tooth root or nerve.
If you’re experiencing any cavity symptoms or have further questions about dental fillings, call Dental Care Olathe today or schedule your appointment online.
