What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are materials used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury. When a tooth develops a cavity due to decay, the decayed portion is removed, and the space is filled with a dental filling material. An experienced dentist in Clifton uses this process to prevent further decay, restore the tooth’s shape, and allow it to function normally.
Each material used in creation of fillings has its advantages, and the choice depends on factors like the location of the filling, the extent of the decay, and the patient’s preferences. Dental fillings are a routine procedure and play an important role in maintaining oral health by protecting teeth from further damage and decay.
Why are Dental Fillings Needed?
Dental fillings are needed for several important reasons:
Cavities of all sizes and shapes require prompt dentist tooth filling to prevent further decay and restore the tooth’s function.
Even small holes in teeth can benefit from dentist tooth filling to prevent them from becoming larger and more problematic.
A fractured tooth might need a dental filling to restore its shape and strength, preventing further damage.
A dental fillings procedure can be used to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, making them look more natural.
Gradual loss of tooth structure, often due to wear and tear, can be repaired with filling teeth, helping to maintain the tooth’s structure and function.
These reasons highlight the importance of dental fillings in maintaining good oral health and ensuring that teeth remain strong and functional over time.
DR. DOKTORMAN IS A PARTICIPATING PROVIDER OF ALL MAJOR INSURANCES SUCH AS METLIFE, DELTA, AETNA, AND CIGNA, etc.
It’s virtually impossible to list all of them on this page. If you have any questions regarding your dental coverage, we will be happy to answer them.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are several types of dentist filling, each with its own advantages:
Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. These fillings are durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for places where chewing pressure is high.
Made from a tooth-colored resin, these fillings blend in with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result. They are suitable for visible teeth and smaller cavities.
These are made from gold alloy and are known for their durability and strength. Gold fillings can last many years but are more expensive and not as good looking as other options.
Made from porcelain, ceramic fillings are durable and tooth-colored, making them a good choice for visible teeth. They resist staining better than composite fillings. But are generally more expensive.
These are made from a mixture of glass and acrylic. They release fluoride, which can help protect teeth from further decay. They are typically used for fillings below the gum line and in young children.
Each type of tooth filling has its own benefits, and the choice depends on factors like the location of the cavity, the extent of the decay, and your personal preferences.
Dental Filling Procedure
The filling tooth procedure typically involves the following steps:
The tooth filling dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of decay.
Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure a pain-free filling for tooth procedure.
The dentist uses a drill or laser to remove the decayed portion of the tooth, thoroughly cleaning the cavity.
The cleaned cavity is shaped and prepared to hold the filling material securely.
The chosen filling material (amalgam, composite, gold, or ceramic) is placed in layers into the cavity. Each layer is hardened using a special light if necessary.
Once the filling is in place, the tooth filling dentist shapes it to fit the natural contours of your tooth.
The filling is polished to smooth out any rough edges and ensure a comfortable bite.
After the procedure, your tooth is restored to its natural shape and function, and you can resume normal activities once the anesthesia wears off.
Contraindications
Contraindications to Dental Fillings
Indications
- Cavities
- Minor Fractures or Chips
- Worn Teeth
- Replacing Old or Damaged Fillings
- Tooth Sensitivity
Сontraindications
- Extensive Decay or Damage
- Allergies to Filling Materials
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Very Small or Absent Cavities
- Teeth with Root Canal Infections
Dental Fillings Aftercare and Recovery
After the dental fillings procedure, proper aftercare and recovery are important to ensure the filling lasts and your mouth heals well. Here are some useful tips:
Wait until the anesthesia completely wears off before eating to avoid biting your tongue or cheek.
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods for at least 24 hours (or as much as the dentist told you), especially if you have an amalgam filling, which takes longer to set.
Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep the area around the filling clean and prevent further decay.
If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable after the filling, schedule a follow-up visit to have it adjusted.
Following these simple aftercare steps will help ensure your filling remains in good condition and your mouth stays healthy.
Tooth pain after a filling
It’s normal to experience some tooth pain after a dental filling for cavities. This discomfort can last for a few days to a week. To manage the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If the pain is too severe or lasts more than a week, or if you experience swelling or fever, contact your dentist immediately. This could indicate an issue that needs further attention. In most cases, the discomfort will gradually decrease as your tooth adjusts to the new filling.
Tooth sensitivity after a filling
Tooth sensitivity after filling at the dentist is common and usually temporary. You might feel sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. This typically lasts for a few days to a week as your tooth adjusts to the filling. To manage sensitivity, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages. If the sensitivity persists beyond a week or becomes too severe, contact your dentist. This could indicate an issue with the filling that requires attention. But in most cases, sensitivity should decrease over time as your tooth heals.
Before\After
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After
Why Should You Choose Tooth Filling by Dr. Edward Practiсe?
Choosing Dr. Edward Doktorman for your tooth filling is a smart move. Located in Clifton, Dr. Edward Doktorman provides care using the latest technology and techniques. We specialize in many types of fillings, including white fillings and cosmetic fillings, so your dental work is both functional and looks its best.
Our expert team at Dr. Edward Doktorman focuses on your comfort and satisfaction. We use high-quality materials for fillings, to make them look like your natural teeth when possible, providing a more attractive result compared to traditional metal fillings.
Our commitment to care means we take the time to understand your needs and concerns. We provide clear explanations of the procedure and costs, so you feel confident and well-informed. By choosing us, you can trust you’re getting the best care and a beautiful, healthy smile.
What our clients say
My recent visit to the dentist for dental crowns exceeded all my expectations. The attention to detail and the dentist’s commitment to perfection were evident throughout the procedure. I’m genuinely impressed!
I can’t thank my dentist enough for the wonderful dental implants. The transformation in my oral health is remarkable. From the initial consultation to the final result, the entire journey was top-notch.
Remarkable how the dental crowns seamlessly blend with my existing teeth – a true testament to the dentist’s artistry. The procedure was comfortable, and I’m thrilled with my rejuvenated smile.
They are the best in this field. They provided quality service. Throughout the whole process, they support me like none other. Will surely recommend my friends and family.
Doctor Edward Doktorman luckily for me, has been my Dentist of choice for so many years. I have done multiple implants, root canals, bone graft, new posts and crowns, deep cleaning, filling, recementing, and other dental procedures in this office, and never had any issues afterwards. Dr. Edward and his staff are also great people on the personal level, very accommodating, very friendly, nice, helpful, go out of their ways to make the patient feel comfortable, and always smiling and joking with patients to lessen the stress of being at the dentist office. The Doctor always takes X-rays much more often than other dentists do before and after procedures (at no add’l cost to the patient) to make sure his work is done perfectly and satisfactorily. He always takes his time to explain in details what the diagnosis is and what needs to be done in an easy to understand language. You are no doubt in good hands with Doktorman.
From phone, to door, to chair, back to the door, this was a very positive experience. I put off a root canal for way too long. Don’t do that, by the way. Anyway, I ended up with a very angry abscess, went to one of those online doctors for $65 and got antibiotics and a dental rinse, and as soon as the swelling was sufficiently down, I decided to just have the tooth yanked. Back molar, not going to miss it too much, a lot cheaper than even going to Los Algones Mexico for a root canal which honestly these days makes a lot more sense than having it done for the higher price (even when factoring in air fare and hotel for dental tourism to Mexico) here in the States. In any case, everyone, and I mean everyone at this office is so friendly and polite and professional and efficient. It just so happened, and I certainly can’t guarantee this nor could this dentist, but I ended up being charged slightly less than the estimate they gave me. Even had it been the top and of the estimate, it’s still would have been a good deal. I would add that I am not a fan of Novocaine at all, and have had dental work done before without the shot because the regular pain I can handle, but I’m a baby about the Novocaine shot. This time I didn’t want to mess around since I was having a tooth pulled, but the dentist gave a fantastic shot and the entire procedure he did an excellent job. The healing process has been going very well with the exception of a bit of sharp bone sticking out the inner side of my gum (according to Google, this is not abnormal after a tooth extraction) and attacking my tongue on that side. I let them know about this today which is a Monday. I’m not scheduled to be back to have the stitches out until Thursday, but they told me that they would fit me in tomorrow.So let’s review: everyone in that office is friendly, professional, responsive, accommodating and efficient, the pricing is very gentle, and the dentist himself Dr. Doktorman does excellent work. So if you’re anywhere in reasonable commute distance and in need of a dentist, this seems like a pretty obvious choice. Going to a dentist is not recreational, but seriously, you’re going to be happy with them here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are used for dental fillings?
The most common materials used for dental fillings include amalgam (silver fillings), composite resins (tooth-colored fillings), gold, and ceramic. Each material has its advantages and suitability depending on the location of the filling, the extent of the repair, patient allergies, and aesthetic desires.
Are dental fillings painful?
Dental filling procedures are generally not painful because local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Some sensitivity or mild discomfort might be experienced after the anesthesia wears off but this usually subsides within a few hours to days.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used and the wear it is exposed to. Amalgam fillings can last between 10 to 15 years, while composite fillings might need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help extend the life of a filling.
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1030 Clifton Avenue
Clifton, New Jersey 07013
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973-778-0013
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