Fillings do just what the name implies seal a small hole in your tooth, i.e., a cavity, caused by decay. This prevents the decay (a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading further into your tooth and, if untreated, continue on to the sensitive inner pulp (nerve) tissue located in the root canal. Should that happen, you would need root canal treatment.
There are a variety of materials used to fill teeth these days, but the process of filling a tooth is similar regardless. The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with x-rays, to determine the extent of the decay. Then the decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually with a handheld instrument such as a dental drill. Of course, your tooth will be anesthetized first, so you won't feel any discomfort. If you normally feel nervous about receiving numbing injections, it's possible that taking an anti-anxiety medication or using nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed. After removing the decay, the remaining tooth structure is roughened or etched with a mildly acidic solution; then translucent cement is applied to bond the tooth and the filling material together.
Amalgam The classic silver filling in use for more than a century, dental amalgam is actually an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it stable and safe. These fillings are strong and inexpensive, but also quite noticeable. They also require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types.
Cast Gold Among the most expensive restorative dental materials, cast gold combines gold with other metals for a very strong, long-lasting filling. It is also highly noticeable, which can be considered a plus or minus.
Composite A popular choice for those who don't want their fillings to show, composite is a mixture of plastic and glass, which actually bonds to the rest of the tooth. Composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings, and the newer materials can hold up almost as long. Less drilling of the tooth is necessary when placing composite as compared to amalgam.
Porcelain These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don't stain as composites can. They are sometimes more expensive than composites because they may require the use of a dental laboratory or specialized computer-generated technology. While considered the most aesthetic filling, they can also, because of their relatively high glass content, be brittle.
Glass Ionomer Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings have the advantages of blending in pretty well with natural tooth color and releasing small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They generally don't last as long as other restorative materials.
The numbness caused by your local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, it's best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal in the first couple of weeks after getting a tooth filled. If it persists beyond that, or you have any actual pain when biting, it could signal that an adjustment to your filling needs to be made. Continue to brush and floss as normal every day, and visit the dental office at least twice per year for your regular checkups and cleanings. And remember, tooth decay is a very preventable disease; with good oral hygiene and professional care, you can make your most recent cavity your last!
The Natural Beauty of Tooth-Colored Fillings The public's demand for aesthetic tooth-colored (metal free) restorations (fillings) together with the dental profession's desire to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible, has led to the development of special adhesive tooth-colored restorations... Read Article
Tooth Decay A Preventable Disease Tooth decay is the number one reason children and adults lose teeth during their lifetime. Yet many people don't realize that it is a preventable infection. This article explores the causes of tooth decay, its prevention, and the relationship to bacteria, sugars, and acids... Read Article
Tooth Decay How To Assess Your Risk Don't wait for cavities to occur and then have them fixed stop them before they start. Modern dentistry is moving towards an approach to managing tooth decay that is evidence-based on years of accumulated, systematic, and valid scientific research. This article discusses what you need to know to assess your risk and change the conditions that lead to decay... Read Article
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 229 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNoble D'Angelo Robinson
a year ago
Attitude is terrific. Very very nice and friendly
Alessandro Sepe
a year ago
Dr. Nikki is a very professional doctor, attentive and always precise. She really takes care of her patients, checking on them even after the visit. She always listens to patients' issues and is ready to help anytime.
Pierce
a year ago
Dentist is very skilled and knowledgeable and understanding. All of the staff are very nice. Highly recommend.
SS Zhang
a year ago
I did my dental cleaning here and was pretty satisfied with my experience. The dentist and other workers were all very nice and professional. Definitely recommended this place to whoever needs to find a trustworthy dentist!
amol puranik
a year ago
Done the wisdom teeth extraction. Dr is experienced, supportive and caring. They will give all information and will do the treatment. I will definitely recommend her for treatment. Thank you.
Julie Maier
a year ago
Started going to Glowing Smiles because they accepted all all of my households insurance plans. I've been coming to them for 2 years now and have had great experiences every time!
Sheryl Thomas
a year ago
Dr Nikki and her staff are the very best in the business. Caring and understanding of individual needs are extremely important when you put your smile in their hands. Thank you for your professionalism during my visits. I cannot wait to see you all again.
Hyatt Fathy
a year ago
No dentist has cared more about my teeth than Dr. Nikki! She goes above and beyond to make sure my teeth are healthy... if anything is wrong, she will find it and take care of it! edit: just got my fillings done... still in my car and felt the urge to come back on here emphasize how awesome Dr. Nikki is, and her assistant Shawnee (sp?) was so attentive and made sure I was comfortable. Thank you so much!!!
Dave Dubay
a year ago
No long waiting times. Everyone is super friendly. Dr is a pleasure to talk too. She is knowledgeable and first dentist that didn't cause me pain. Make this your dental destination.
Sabrina Thomas
2 years ago
Dr. Nikki is the Greatest dentist ever a real Goat GREATEST OF ALL TIME I TRULY LOVE HER AND HER WORK she kept saying pressure but I didn't feel pressure or pain spread the words DR. Nikki definition of a True dentist
Tropita Das
2 years ago
Excellent root canal done by Dr Nikki without any pain ....she takes care of the patient and make sure the patient is not in any pain .....she takes time and treats one patient at a time .....very happy with the service
China Edwards
2 years ago
Excellent service. Very clean atmosphere and super gentle during procedures !
Brianne Reardon
2 years ago
Amazing dentist! I had an emergency on a Saturday, not as an existing patient, and their office got me in and the doctor was absolutely amazing! Fixed my issue and made me feel super comfortable as she was working! Dr. Kulbir Jassal was a life saver today! Thank you so much!!!!
U S
2 years ago
Dr. Nikki and her staff were very accomodating and able to resolve my issue exceptionally well. Recommended! Edit 1: Went there again for some more dental work and I will say Dr. Nikki is one of the best dentists I've met. She took extra time to work on a previous filling as an extra(turned out great), even though I was scheduled for other fillings on the day. Amazing dentist!
Vishesh Mistry
2 years ago
I was always afraid of any dental procedure especially due to me previous experiences. However, my root canal here was literally painless. The staff is also very informative and answers all your concerns patiently. Overall, it's one of the best clinics out there!
Mahima Kumar
2 years ago
I had a great visit at Glowing Smiles Dental. Dr. Jassal is extremely kind and very knowledgeable. She was able to fit me into her tight Schedule when my crown randomly came out.
Derrick Bronner 3rd
2 years ago
My name is Brandi and To be honest I was extremely nervous because that's always my dental experience but my visit here was great from the moment I checked in to the moment and I left they reassured me that I was in good hands and everything will go smoothly which it did. Thumbs up I have a new permanent dental office
Sherice
2 years ago
Painless and quick
Ahmad Jamea
2 years ago
Dr. Nikki is awesome! She walked me through the whole process of my root canal procedure, and showed me the X-rays to make sure I completely understand! Definitely recommend!
Sharday Tiller
2 years ago
Dr. Nikki is amazing. You can tell she really cares about her patients. She explains things thoroughly, she's honest and she listens. I will recommend her to everyone in need of a dental home. I'm glad I found her!
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