Tooth decay can be painful and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Dental fillings are designed to protect and restore teeth, especially when cavities or damage threaten oral health. Tooth decay weakens teeth’ structures, and a well-placed filling repairs the damage, protects the tooth from further problems, and makes for a long-lasting, seamless solution.
At The Hawthorne Dentist, we strive to provide precise, personalized care that suits your needs. We use advanced techniques to restore your smile effectively and comfortably and prevent the risks of untreated cavities. You can rely on us to address your tooth decay, among other dental needs. We recommend the correct dental filling based on our assessment of your teeth. The information below will help you better understand dental fillings.
The Role of Dental Fillings in Protecting Your Teeth
Bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and starches, producing acids that slowly erode your tooth enamel to create tooth decay. This decay weakens your teeth and leads to cavities that cause pain and can cause more serious problems if not treated. Poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods, and lack of fluoride all contribute to decay. Without proper care, the damage can spread, including to deeper layers of the tooth, and the risk of infection can increase.
Dental fillings are used to repair and restore teeth affected by decay. When a cavity forms, your dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the space with a durable material. This restoration maintains the tooth’s structure and functionality to prevent further damage. It also prevents bacteria from getting to the exposed area and helps prevent decay from spreading.
A dental filling is one of the most common and effective ways to treat cavities early on. It improves the strength of your tooth, reduces sensitivity, and restores your ability to chew and speak without discomfort. Regular dental checkups are important to detect decay before it worsens. The checkups also allow for timely treatment with minimal intervention.
Signs You Need a Dental Filling
Tooth decay develops gradually and often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, there are a few warning signs that signal you may need dental fillings to help restore the health of your tooth, namely:
- Tooth sensitivity — You may feel discomfort or sharp pain when you eat hot, cold, or sugary foods. This sensitivity usually means the enamel has weakened, and the tooth’s inner layers are exposed and vulnerable to decay.
- Bad breath (Halitosis) — Untreated cavities can lead to persistent bad breath even after brushing and using mouthwash. Bad breath that cannot be masked by regular oral hygiene is caused by bacteria trapped in decayed teeth, which produce foul odors.
- Visible holes or cracks — If you see holes, cracks, or dark spots on your teeth, you know decay has taken hold. These openings in your enamel need to be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage and restore your tooth to its proper integrity.
- Tooth pain — Another sign something is wrong is continuous tooth pain, particularly when biting or applying pressure. If your tooth hurts during everyday activities, it likely has deep decay or damage that requires a filling. You could also experience pain when chewing food, even soft items. This is a sign of a cavity or crack in the tooth. If you bite down, you may experience the pain getting worse, which means you need a filling to repair the damage.
- Sharp or throbbing pain — Severe decay can cause a sharp, persistent, or throbbing pain that never disappears after eating or drinking. This pain usually means the decay has gone deeper into the tooth, and you could require a filling to stop it from damaging your tooth further.
- Visible discoloration — Early signs of cavities are darkened areas or staining around the edges of your teeth. If you see a tooth that looks dull or dark, it could be due to decay, and you may need a filling.
If you see any of these signs, do not wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule a visit with your dentist to address the issue immediately. The earlier you treat tooth decay, the less complicated the procedure will be, and your teeth will be healthier for years.
Types of Dental Fillings
Your dentist will determine the most suitable treatment once he/she conducts a thorough assessment. Your dentist factors in the size of the cavity, where it is located, and your preferences for aesthetics and cost when selecting fillings. Based on all these considerations, you could end up with any of the following dental fillings:
- Composite or White Fillings
Many patients prefer composite or white dental fillings because they match the color of teeth and blend in seamlessly. These fillings are made from tooth-colored resin and are ideal for restoring cavities in visible areas like the front teeth, where esthetics are a concern.
The main advantage of composite fillings is that they can match the natural color of your teeth so well that they are virtually invisible. Furthermore, they are very customizable, meaning your dentist can sculpt the material to the precise shape of your tooth for a more natural look and feel. It bonds the tooth and strengthens it against more decay.
Composite fillings preserve as much of your natural structure unlike other filling options, like amalgam, since less enamel needs to be removed during the procedure. However, although they may be a great cosmetic solution, composite fillings are not as durable as metal fillings for large cavities or areas that experience heavy chewing pressure. While they can wear down more quickly and may have to be replaced over time, composite fillings are a terrific match for patients looking for a balance of function and appearance.
If you have cavities in visible areas or want something more natural, composite fillings are a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for replacing damaged tooth structures.
- Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are a very strong, durable, and affordable way to treat cavities, especially in the back teeth. They are made from a metal blend, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. They are known for their longevity and ability to withstand chewing pressure.
Amalgam fillings are quite durable. They are tough and can endure great force, making them ideal for molars and other teeth under heavy use. Amalgam fillings are also cheaper than alternatives, making them an appealing option to many patients.
However, there are some drawbacks to amalgam fillings. Their silver color can be less aesthetically attractive, especially in visible areas. There is also a small risk of sensitivity to the materials, especially mercury. Although rare, the materials used in amalgam can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This could lead to discomfort. Another concern is that amalgam expands and contracts with temperature changes, and applied stress on the surrounding tooth structure increases the risk of cracks or fractures in time.
While amalgam fillings are not recommended for children under six or pregnant women because of the risk of mercury exposure, amalgam fillings are still a reliable and cost-effective choice for many.
- Porcelain Fillings
If your cavity is in a visible area when you smile, porcelain fillings are a durable and appealing way to fill it. These fillings are made from high-quality ceramic materials designed to match the natural color of your teeth, making them the perfect fillings for those who want aesthetics and functionality.
The process starts with your dentist removing the decayed part of your tooth and reshaping the remaining structure to accommodate the filling. Then, they will make an impression of the tooth and send that to a dental lab. Skilled technicians then make the custom filling from porcelain, a material that mimics the translucency and color of natural enamel.
When the porcelain restoration is ready in a few days, your dentist will carefully put it in the cavity. The filling is cemented to ensure it fits perfectly. This results in a strong, functional, and aesthetically pleasing tooth, improving its durability and appearance.
While porcelain fillings are more expensive than composite resin or amalgam, many patients prefer them because they are natural-looking, durable, strong, and cosmetically appealing. When cared for properly, these fillings can provide many years of reliable and attractive solutions.
- Gold Fillings
Cavities in back teeth are best treated with gold fillings because they are durable and last a long time. These fillings consist of a combination of gold, copper, and other metals, which provide strength and resistance to wear. With the proper care, they can last several decades and provide a restoration that will survive time. The gold is also biocompatible, which is unlikely to cause allergic reactions. This is a significant advantage for many patients.
However, gold fillings have some downsides. Because their metallic color is less attractive in visible areas, they are usually placed in the back teeth where aesthetics are unimportant. Furthermore, gold fillings are more expensive than alternative materials like composite resin or amalgam, which may limit their appeal for some patients.
Another consideration is that some people experience galvanic shocks, a sharp, brief pain when gold fillings touch other metal dental work. This phenomenon occurs when electric currents are generated from combining different metals in the mouth. This is relatively rare but can be uncomfortable, and adjustments to the fillings may be needed.
These drawbacks aside, gold fillings continue to be the number one choice of those who need strength and longevity in their dental restoration but want biocompatibility.
- Glass Ionomer Tooth Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are an excellent solution for cavities, especially for difficult-to-see areas like the back of the teeth or under the gum line. These fillings comprise bits of glass and organic acids that bond directly to the tooth and give you a robust and durable restoration. Another advantage is that they can release fluoride, which helps protect the surrounding tooth from future decay.
Placing these fillings is also easy, and less preparation is required than other materials. Glass ionomer fillings also expand and contract with temperature changes, lowering the chance of gaps forming over time. Therefore, they are great for cavities in areas that do not experience intense chewing pressure.
Glass ionomer fillings are durable but less strong than gold or porcelain. They may wear down quicker in high-pressure areas, and their appearance is also less ideal for visible teeth. However, their fluoride-releasing properties and strong bond with the tooth make them an excellent choice for certain dental situations, including filling baby teeth or areas with little chewing stress.
What to Expect During a Tooth Filling Procedure
Your dentist will first assess the extent of decay and often use X-rays to diagnose the problem. From this evaluation, the dentist will decide if a filling is needed and choose the best material for the restoration. To ensure you are comfortable during the procedure, dentists numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic before starting the procedure.
When the area is numb, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth with either a drill or a laser. This approach ensures all infected material is removed so the cavity is filled. The dentist then thoroughly cleans the cavity to remove any remaining debris so it is free from bacteria to prevent further decay.
The dentist places the filling material next to the cavity, shaping the material to fit the cavity correctly. For composite fillings, dentists use a special light to harden them. The dentist then places and refines the filling into the position of your tooth so that your bite remains appropriately aligned.
The dentist finishes by polishing the filling to look smooth and checks your bite to see if you are not in pain when you chew. The filling is practical with necessary adjustments, and post-procedure care instructions are provided. It may be a little sensitive, but this settles in a few days. The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, with most people leaving the hospital 1 or 2 hours after the procedure.
Post-Dental Filling Care You Should Consider
Good aftercare and follow-up are important to ensure the restoration is successful and your tooth stays healthy after dental filling. If you have had composite resin filling, you should not eat for at least 30 minutes after the procedure. Eating too soon could interfere with the setting of the material, and it needs time to harden fully. Follow your dentist’s advice about when it is safe to resume eating for other types of fillings.
You may experience some sensitivity in the filled area, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods. This is temporary and usually resolves within a few days. If, however, sensitivity gets worse or does not get better, it is time to call your dentist. In the first 24 hours, chewing hard or sticky foods should also be avoided. They can add undue pressure to the filling and even damage it.
The success of your filling depends on your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the treated area to avoid irritation. The filling will last as long as the tooth remains clean, which will help prevent any further decay.
If you are uncomfortable or the filling is uneven or loose, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist. They may have to adjust the filling to correct your bite. You need to have regular checkups to check the condition of your filling and ensure your tooth remains healthy.
Potential Complications of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a great way to restore teeth, but they have potential complications like most things. The main ones include the following:
- Tooth Sensitivity and Discomfort
After a dental filling is placed, tooth discomfort and sensitivity often follow, but sometimes, it is a sign of something more serious. Sensitivity occurs when the filled tooth reacts to hot, cold, or sweet foods. This is usually temporary, as the nerve adjusts to the new filling material or because of a bit of nerve irritation from the procedure. However, in more severe cases, pulpitis, an inflammation of the tooth pulp, can cause prolonged sensitivity. The condition occurs when decay reaches the tooth’s nerve or the nerve becomes irritated and causes pain or sensitivity.
An improperly fitted filling can also cause discomfort. If the filling does not fit properly with your bite, it can place extra pressure on your surrounding teeth and cause pain when chewing or a lingering ache.
To relieve pain and sensitivity, you can try:
- Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain
- Slowly desensitizing toothpaste to help relieve sensitivity to temperature changes
- Avoiding extreme temperatures and hard or chewy foods that might bring a flare-up of pain
- Warm salt water rinses for inflammation and pain relief
If the sensitivity or discomfort persists for a few days or worsens, you should contact your dentist, who will examine the problem and give you the appropriate treatment.
- Bonding Failure
Dental fillings do not always bond properly to the tooth. Gaps can form between the filling and the surrounding tooth structure, which is ideal for bacteria to get in and make the problem worse. If bacteria seep into these spaces, they can break down the tooth underneath the filling, causing damage that may need further dental treatment. Because the filling does not bond properly, it loses its effectiveness, and the tooth can have hidden decay that is not immediately visible.
There are many reasons why a poor bond can occur. It could be that the tooth needed to be adequately prepared before the filling was put on. For the filling material not to form a strong bond with the tooth, the tooth has to be cleaned or dried properly, or the filling material has to be applied correctly. Also, if the cavity does not have enough filling or the filling is not put tightly enough, that space can be filled by bacteria. These gaps can, over time, expand, worsening the decay and, in some cases, leading to a root canal or tooth extraction.
The only way to avoid these problems is to ensure that fillings are correctly implemented. Dentists use many methods to secure a bond, including the following:
- Etching the tooth surface
- Applying bonding agents and
- Curing the filling with light
Early detection is critical, and that means regular checkups. If your filling shows gaps or is coming loose, your dentist can replace or adjust it before things get worse.
Some fillings are more prone to bonding problems than others, but good oral hygiene helps prevent further decay. Regular brushing and flossing, eating fewer sugary foods, and visiting your dentist for routine exams are all ways to help maintain your fillings and overall tooth health.
Find a Caring and Experienced Dentist Near Me
Dental fillings are important for restoring teeth and preventing further damage. Whether addressing a cavity or repairing a crack, the proper filling will protect your tooth and help keep it functional and looking good. However, like any dental procedure, your filling will only work if you care properly. Preventing issues like sensitivity and other problems down the road relies on ensuring the filling fits well and is securely closed to your tooth.
Dental fillings are usually reliable, but staying alert to changes or discomfort is important. Once you feel pain or notice your filling has shifted, contact a dentist immediately to address it. Failure to do so exposes you to more significant problems in the future. Take a proactive approach to oral health to help your fillings last longer and keep your teeth in the best condition.
At The Hawthorne Dentist, we are here to help. Our experienced dentists and dental staff will carefully examine your teeth and determine the appropriate treatment. If you have a new filling or one that is acting up, be sure to contact us. We are committed to the care and attention you need to have your smile healthy. So contact us today at 310-775-2557 to book your next appointment or for a consultation on dental fillings and any other dental issue.
