What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are one of the most common and effective solutions for treating cavities and restoring damaged teeth. When a tooth becomes decayed or suffers damage from wear and tear, a dental filling is used to repair the tooth by filling the cavity and restoring its shape, size, and function. Fillings also help prevent further decay by sealing the tooth from bacteria and other harmful elements.
When Do You Need a Filling?
Types of Dental Fillings
Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings)
Composite fillings are made from a resin material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. These fillings are ideal for fillings in visible areas, such as the front teeth. Composite fillings provide a seamless, natural look and are durable enough to last for many years.
Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)
Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, and tin. While they are not as aesthetically pleasing as composite fillings, amalgam fillings are highly durable and ideal for back teeth where strength is most important. They are a cost-effective option for patients with large cavities.
Porcelain Fillings (Inlays and Onlays)
Porcelain fillings are custom-made in a dental lab and offer excellent durability and aesthetic appeal. They are often used for larger cavities or when a more natural look is desired. Porcelain fillings are resistant to staining and provide a long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are durable and long-lasting, but they are more noticeable than other types of fillings, making them more commonly used in the back teeth. Gold is biocompatible and highly resistant to wear, making it a reliable choice for patients who need a filling in a high-pressure area.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are made from a material that releases fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from future decay. These fillings are often used in areas where the aesthetic appearance is less of a concern, such as below the gumline or on baby teeth.
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The Filling Procedure: What to Expect
Examination and Diagnosis
During your initial appointment, your dentist will examine the affected tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the decay or damage. Based on this evaluation, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of filling.
Anesthesia and Preparation
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth will then be cleaned and removed.
Filling Placement
After cleaning out the cavity, your dentist will place the filling material into the cavity, carefully shaping it to match the natural contours of your tooth. If you're receiving a composite filling, it will be hardened using a special light.
Final Adjustment and Polishing
Once the filling is in place, your dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments. The filling will then be polished to smooth out the surface and blend it seamlessly with the rest of your tooth.
Aftercare
After your filling is placed, it’s important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the anesthesia has worn off. You may experience some sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days, but this should subside quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What patients ask about dental fillings in New Haven, CT.
How much does a dental filling cost in New Haven?
The fee tracks the size of the cavity and how many surfaces of the tooth are involved, so a small one costs noticeably less than a large rebuild. HUSKY Health, Medicaid, and most major PPO plans are accepted, and you get an itemized written estimate before treatment begins.
What materials are used for fillings?
Composite resin, amalgam, gold, and porcelain are all used, and Divine Smiles features tooth colored composite because it bonds to the tooth and blends in. Your dentist recommends the material that fits the location of the cavity, how much force that tooth takes, and what you want.
How long does a filling last?
Composite fillings commonly run five to ten years, while amalgam and gold often go longer. Grinding, chewing ice, and decay creeping in at the edge are what shorten them. Fillings do wear, chip, and occasionally come loose, which is one reason regular checkups are worth keeping.
How long does getting a filling take?
A single filling normally takes half an hour to about forty five minutes, including numbing time. Two or three in the same quadrant can often be done in one sitting, which saves you a second trip. Most people head straight back to work once the numbness wears off.
Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?
Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a week or two is normal while the nerve settles down, particularly on a deep filling. What is not normal is pain that sharpens, lingers, or wakes you at night. If that happens, call the New Haven office and we will check the bite.
Can I get a cavity filled the same day I come in?
Often yes. Divine Smiles keeps same day appointments open, and if the exam shows a cavity that is causing pain we will usually treat it during that visit rather than sending you home to wait. Call (203) 865-1480 and mention that the tooth is bothering you.