Dental Fillings Chapel Hill
fall in love with your smile
Dental Fillings for Teeth Restoration
Dental fillings are often suggested for individuals with tooth decay. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, but all fillings serve the same purpose of filling holes that have developed in your mouth, either due to decay or because of fractures. Fillings caused by decay are most commonly the result of poor oral hygiene habits, a diet that is heavy in carbohydrates and sugary foods, and/or due to medical conditions or types of medications. Although needing to have a filling placed is not ideal, doing so will ensure that additional damage does not occur and the pulp is protected from bacteria.
Dental fillings can be a wonderful option for patients who are looking for a long-term solution for improving their oral health and preventing additional issues from developing in the future. If you would like to learn more about dental fillings, please read below, or contact our staff who will be happy to answer any of your questions and/or set up a consultation.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about our treatment options, please contact our office at (919) 595-1010. We look forward to creating the smile you have always desired a reality for you.
The Dental Filling Process
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures and can generally be done in under one hour. Prior to placing the filling, your dentist will numb the area where the filling is to be placed with an anesthetic. Once the area is properly numbed, they will clean the tooth and remove any decay. After the area has been properly cleaned and the decay removed, your dentist will fill the area with a tooth colored composite filling
Composite Resin Filling
Made of a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles
Benefits of this filling type:
- Can usually be placed in one visit
- Natural look
- Directly bond to the tooth
Drawbacks of this filling type:
- More expensive then amalgam fillings
- Prone to shrinking, which can result in gaps that allow cavities to develop
Ceramic Filling
Made of porcelain
Benefits of this filling type:
- Natural feel and look
- Stain resistant
Drawbacks of this filling type:
- Weaker than composite resin
- Tooth size must be reduced to prevent breaking
Glass Ionomer
Made of acrylic and glass
Benefits of this filling type:
- Minimized risk of decay
- Natural color
- Releases fluoride
Drawbacks of this filling type:
- Weaker than composite resin
Gold Fillings
Made of gold and other metals
Benefits of this filling type:
- Durable
- Does not corrode
- Unique aesthetic appearance
Drawbacks of this filling type:
- Expensive
- Requires multiple dental visits
- Unnatural look
Proper Care Improves Longevity of the Dental Fillings
It is not uncommon to experience increased tooth sensitivity following your dental fillings procedure, but this generally goes away after a few weeks. If the sensitivity persists or seems excessive, be sure to contact your dentist to set up a follow up consultation.
To continue enjoying the benefits of your dental fillings, be sure to practice good oral hygiene habits every day. If you follow these best practices, your dental fillings should last you a long time.
- Brush twice daily (minimum) and practice proper brushing technique. In addition to brushing regularly, it is also important to brush effectively. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about proper brushing techniques.
- Floss daily. If you are someone who tends to avoid flossing, you may want to consider flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or floss picks.
- Be mindful of your diet. One of the best ways you can prevent dental issues from developing is to avoid foods that are sugary or high in starch. If you do drink soda or sugary beverages, try to use a straw to limit exposure of sugar to your teeth. It is also important to swish your mouth with water following meals, as doing so can dislodge food remnants, which, if left alone can create future tooth decay.
- Schedule regular dental exams. Unchecked dental issues can result in additional issues and progression of decay, which is why it is so important to visit your dentist every six months. In addition to providing a deep clean for your teeth and diagnosing potential issues before they progress, these regular checkups also allow your dentist to monitor the status of your dental fillings.
High-Quality Dental Care
At Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, confident in our work, and most importantly, we want you to fall in love with your smile again. If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about cosmetic procedures that we offer, please contact us at (919) 595-1010.