The dental fillings procedure is one of the most common dental procedures we provide today. Our dentists at Complete Dentistry For All Ages use dental fillings to repair damaged and decayed teeth. We will restore your oral health and maintain the integrity of the natural tooth. Dr. Doyle Freano offers several types of dental fillings in his Lexington, KY dental office.
Modern fillings are a preventative treatment that our dentists can also use 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. Continue reading to learn more about our dental filling procedure, how to prevent cavities, and other answers to your questions about dental fillings.
Dental Fillings Procedure in Lexington, KY
The dental filling procedure is relatively simple. Our dentists can complete the procedure in one visit. During the appointment, Dr. Freano will examine your teeth and take X-rays if necessary.
Then, he will clean and remove any decayed material from the affected area. This will prepare the affected tooth or teeth for the filling. Next, he will apply a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and ensure your comfort during treatment. After your mouth is numb, he may also remove old fillings if necessary.
Next, he will clean the area again before filling the cavity with either composite resin or amalgam. After placing the filling material into the affected area, Dr. Freano will cure it with a special light. Finally, Dr. Freano will polish your tooth for a comfortable fit and a natural look.
Our dentists can typically place composite resin, or tooth-colored fillings, during a single visit. However, our dental lab will need time to create gold or porcelain fillings, so these will require two visits to our dental practice. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible dental filling service so that you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.
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 is key to the success of maintaining optimal oral health. Dr. Freano believes that 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.
Dr. Freano will make sure to fully inform you of your options, provide personalized dental care, and address your dental concerns in a timely manner during your visit to our Lexington, KY dental office.
Dental Fillings FAQs
Do you want to know more about fillings and cavities? The following are answers to questions we get about this common dental procedure. Continue reading to see if a dental filling may be an effective treatment option for you.
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 you do not seek treatment for your teeth, 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! Our dentists can replace old and dark fillings 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 he needs to replace them. We also offer high-quality dental implants to replace teeth in your smile zone 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. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help ensure that your fillings remain in good condition for as long as possible. Another factor that will determine the lifespan of your filling is they type of material it consists of.
Composite resin fillings are more durable than amalgam fillings. Composite resin fillings hold tooth structure well and make a very strong filling material. Composite resin is also immune to many types of bacterial growth and decay, making it a great option for patients with weak or decayed teeth. They will last 10-25 years for most patients. Amalgam fillings are still considered safe despite mercury release issues in the past and can last about 15 years. As long as you take proper care when brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, amalgam fillings are still a safe option.
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 sensitivity to hot and cold foods doesn’t go away in a week or two, then contact your dentist for further advice. It may mean that your dentist did not place your filling properly.
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! Complete Dentistry For All Ages 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.