Dental Fillings

Tooth decay might start small, but it can soon turn into a threat to your smile. Dental fillings offer a first line of defense against tooth decay. At OC Dental Specialists, our top-reviewed dentist provides comfortable, quality fillings to keep your smile healthy.

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling treats the early stages of tooth decay, especially cavities. Cavities are holes in your teeth that develop as decay breaks down the outer layer of the tooth. They might start out painless, but they can progress to worse problems when left untreated. A dental filling treatment clears away the decayed portion and removes bacteria from the tooth before sealing it with a filling material.

Table of Contents

What a Dental Filling Treatment Is Like

Topical Numbing: We usually start with a light topical numbing. This mildly numbs the gums so that the injection of anesthetic is even milder.
Local Anesthetic: We then inject local numbing into the gums. This may feel like a quick pinching sensation, but it is over in seconds. You can then relax in the chair until the numbing takes full effect.
Preparing the Tooth: This can involve several different techniques but usually involves drilling out the cavity to clear away decayed tooth material. If any of that bacteria-coated material remains, it could put you at risk of future infections. Once the tooth is clear of decay, we fully sanitize it.
Applying the Filling: Lastly, we place the filling material into the tooth to create a seal. Your specialist carefully molds the filling and polishes it until it feels like a natural part of the tooth.

FAQs

How do I know I need a filling?

The trick with cavities is that they often do not cause notable symptoms. However, they can eventually progress and potentially lead to a severely painful dental abscess if not treated. The best way to know when to treat a cavity is to attend your twice-a-year dental checkups. Even a quick oral exam can catch a cavity in its early stages. Treating a cavity now will be quicker, less expensive, and less stressful than waiting for a potential complication in the future.

Is getting a dental filling painful?

Not at all! Aside from a slight pinch during the anesthetic injection, your experience should be pain free. Some patients might have mild soreness after treatment. But that should fade within 24 hours.

How long do dental fillings last?

On average, patients can expect a dental filling to last them over 10 years. However, a lot of factors influence this. So, the general range is between 5 and 30 years. Things that influence your filling durability include:

The material used (e.g., gold lasts the longest while glass ionomer lasts the shortest)
Your oral hygiene (excellent home cleaning and routine dental visits will work in your favor)
Location of the filling (some areas experience wear faster than others)
Various other factors (e.g., avoiding injuries, not biting down on very hard food, individual health)

Can I replace my filling?

If your filling wears out, you likely will need to replace it. The good news is that replacing a filling tends to be quick, painless, and straightforward. You can even replace your old filling with a new material according to your current preferences.

How much do dental fillings cost?

The cost of your dental filling treatment will depend on the material and number of fillings needed. Most patients choose composite fillings, which strike a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. However, your out-of-pocket costs should be minor, as most insurance plans cover dental fillings. We can work with you before treatment to see what coverage your plan provides and what costs you would have.

What materials are available?

Dental fillings usually come in one of five different materials: gold, amalgam, composite, ceramic, and glass ionomer. Each material has unique advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on the patient’s preferences and their budget for the treatment.

Gold Fillings: Last the longest (20+ years)
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: Balances cost with good longevity.
Composite Resin Fillings: Matches the natural color of your tooth while still lasting up to 10 years. Also, generally an affordable option.
Ceramic Fillings: Greater durability than composite while also color-matching your teeth. However, they can cost more.
Glass Ionomer: Shorter lifespan designed for lower-chewing-force areas. Releases fluoride to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of future cavities.

What if my filling fell out?

If your filling falls out, we can count that as a dental emergency. While that does not mean you need to panic, it does mean it is time to call our office. Explain your situation to us and we can book you a same-day appointment to replace your filling.

Schedule Your Appointment

Call our office today to set up your appointment for dental fillings with a leading dentist backed by an all-star team.

HAPPY CLIENTS

I’ve been coming to this office for just under a year, and I have to say, I’ve never encountered a more caring and friendly staff.

Dr. Sharma is kind and also incredibly friendly, highly professional, and extremely competent. I can’t recommend this office enough!

Andi K.