One of the most common dental procedures used today, dental fillings are used to repair teeth that are damaged or decayed, restoring oral health and maintaining the integrity of the natural tooth. Dr. Doyle Freano places several types of dental fillings in his Lexington, KY dental office.
Modern fillings are a preventative treatment that can be used to replace old and dark fillings. We will recommend filling material based on the location of the tooth and the severity of the decay or damage.
Dental Fillings Procedure in Lexington, KY
Dr. Freano will begin by cleaning and preparing the affected tooth, removing old fillings if necessary. Depending on the severity of the cavity or damage, a local anesthetic may be applied to ensure the patient’s comfort during treatment.
After placing the filling material into the affected area, Dr. Freano will cure it with a special light. The filling will be polished and adjusted if necessary for a comfortable fit. Resin tooth fillings are typically placed during a single visit, but gold or porcelain fillings are custom fabricated in a dental lab and will require two visits.
How to Prevent Cavities
Cavities may be lurking around the corner if you don’t properly care for your smile. Finding ways to practice proper oral hygiene during this season is key to the success of maintaining optimal oral health. Dr. Freano believes patient education and preventive dentistry are two of the greatest tools to help patients achieve excellent oral health.
Preventing cavities relies heavily on your oral hygiene routine. Finding the right routine for your smile should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, using a fluoride mouthwash, and drinking the appropriate amount of water for your body.
During a visit to our Lexington, KY dental office, Dr. Freano will make sure you are well informed, receive personalized dental care, and have your dental concerns addressed.
Dental Fillings FAQs
Do you want to know more about fillings and cavities? Learn more below:
What are cavities?
When sugars and starches mix with bacteria from plaque, it creates an acid that breaks down the tooth enamel over time. Tooth decay will set in, and if your teeth are not treated, a cavity will develop. Dr. Freano offers a range of restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry procedures for patients with cavities. Depending on your needs, Dr. Freano may provide dental fillings, root canal, and dental cleanings.
Can you replace old fillings?
Yes. Old, dark fillings can be replaced with white fillings to enhance your smile and improve your dental health. Over time, old fillings can degrade and leak, allowing additional decay and damage to occur. Dr. Freano will examine your dental fillings and determine if they need to be replaced. We offer high-quality dental implants to replace teeth that are beyond saving.
How long do tooth fillings last?
You can expect your filling to last anywhere between 10 to 15 years with proper oral hygiene and if the affected tooth does not have any other issues.
Will a dental filling make my tooth sensitive?
After getting a dental filling, you might experience temporary tooth sensitivity. Having tooth sensitivity after a filling is natural and should go away in a couple of days. If it doesn’t in a week or two, then contact your dentist for further advice. it may mean that your filling was not properly placed.
Schedule A Visit To Our Lexington, KY Dentist Office
If you haven’t scheduled a dental exam visit to our Lexington, KY dental Office yet, now is the best time! Dr. Freano offers complete, comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Dr. Freano will determine which dental care solution is best for your dental issues. Call our office to make an appointment or schedule a dental appointment online.