Dental Fillings at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry
Tooth decay is an unfortunate dental problem that a majority of us will most likely face at some point in our adult life—plaque and tartar buildup cause cavities and decay in your teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial substance of saliva and food debris left in your mouth. It can feel like a rough film over your teeth.
If you do not remove plaque with brushing and flossing, it can harden to form tartar. Dental tartar, or calculus, is a white or yellow hardened deposit that forms on the teeth and gums over time. It is difficult to remove tartar with brushing and flossing, so it is essential to visit the dentist regularly.
Plaque and tartar buildup increases the risk of cavities, holes, or pits from bacterial infection. If you suffer from a tooth cavity, preserving the natural tooth is your main goal.
A dental filling is necessary to restore strength health, and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Dental fillings are placed after your dentist in Baltimore, MD, removes tooth decay but can also repair tooth damage such as chips or cracks.
Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to minimizing your risk of needing a filling to treat decay and can provide the foundation for lifelong dental health.
As one of Baltimore’s leading cosmetic dentists, we only use tooth-colored dental fillings. Our dental fillings are durable, attractive, and highly compatible.
While traditional amalgam tooth fillings typically require the removal of healthy tooth structures, composite dental fillings allow your dentist in Baltimore to remove only the decayed area of the tooth.
Composite dental fillings, also known as “white fillings,” bond directly to the tooth and expand like natural teeth, making them less likely to cause cracks. This tight seal will also prevent bacteria from entering the filling area, threatening the tooth’s integrity.
We can also use inlays and onlays to restore a broken tooth or replace an existing large tooth filling. When the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown, we will recommend an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are an excellent alternative to large tooth fillings because they are more durable and natural looking.
Replacing Old Dental Fillings in Baltimore
Dr. Lazer also offers patients the option of replacing old amalgam (silver) fillings with new, natural-looking white fillings. Depending on the size of your existing tooth filling and the condition of the tooth, Dr. Lazer or Dr. Doroshenko may use a composite dental filling or a porcelain inlay or onlay.
Replacing old fillings can improve your dental health’s integrity and provide an instant smile makeover!
The dental filling process is simple and completed during a visit to our Baltimore dentist office. In most cases, we will administer a local anesthetic in the area around the tooth to make you feel comfortable. We will make sure you do not feel any pain during the procedure.
It is essential to replace silver fillings correctly to prevent metal or particle ingestion. Our dentists use expert techniques to remove old fillings, particularly damaged ones.
Dental Filling FAQs
Why do I need a dental filling?
Dental fillings play an essential role in the long-term maintenance of your smile. They provide protection and stability to teeth after removing the decay. Dental fillings can treat teeth that have small chips or breaks. Also, a dental filling can restore teeth after a root canal procedure.
Do I need a dental filling, inlay, or onlay?
The dentist will complete an evaluation to determine what type of dental filling is right for you. In most cases, a composite dental filling is for minor tooth decay or other damage. On the other hand, an inlay or onlay is for more significant tooth decay, to replace large old fillings, or in other cases that don’t warrant a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are known as partial crowns because they cover different parts of a tooth but do not fully cover the tooth.
Are dental fillings painful?
Many patients avoid the dentist because they fear their procedure will be painful, expensive, or complicated. Dental fillings, inlays, and onlays are relatively simple procedures. Most patients do not experience any pain during the process, though some report mild sensitivity.
We use VibraJect to minimize or eliminate pain from injections and quiet electronic handpieces to reduce stress during treatment.
How long does it take for tooth fillings to settle?
On average, it takes about 24 hours for a metal or amalgam filling to settle completely. After 24 hours, the filling should have hardened entirely and be safe to chew on. Composite or white dental fillings immediately harden in the office with UV light.
How many fillings can be done at once?
Technically, there is no limit to how many fillings you can get at once. However, your dentist may recommend splitting up your appointments for fillings if you need extensive dental work. This will make your visits shorter and the experience more comfortable.
Can I eat immediately after a filling?
You can eat or drink directly after getting a dental filling. However, we recommend waiting about 2 hours to ensure any anesthetic has worn off.
White fillings are hardened in place in the office, so there should be no chance of damaging the filling. Still, eating after the anesthetic wears off is a good idea so you don’t accidentally bite your lip or tongue.
Can I brush my teeth after I get a dental filling?
After you receive a tooth filling, you can brush your teeth. We recommend you brush and floss carefully using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid any sensitivity. Gently brushing and flossing will keep your fillings healthy and prevent bacterial buildup.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have old metal dental fillings or suspect you need a tooth filling, contact Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry at (410) 697-6290 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online. Dr. Lazer provides dental fillings to patients in Owings Mills, MD, and the surrounding Baltimore County communities.