Fillings and Sealants

Tooth decay and cavities are both common dental issues. Receiving tooth-colored fillings can restore your teeth and help to prevent simple decay from becoming something worse.

Tooth Fillings in Port Washington, WI

Cavities and small fractures can cause much larger issues if left untreated. In the past, metal restorations called amalgam fillings (or silver fillings) served a need but left many teeth discolored and strained from the wedging effect of the metal. Today, tooth-colored composite resins blend into the tooth structure and are chemically bonded to the tooth providing a strong, permanent restoration.

Composites serve both functional and aesthetic roles, often at the same time. For example, a cavity invading the front of a tooth along the gum line may be visible in your smile line. By gently cleaning out the soft, discolored area and replacing it with a tooth-colored filling, the tooth is restored and looks better than ever.

Composites contain a mix of liquid resin embedded with finely ground glass particles. After being molded to the prepared tooth structure, a blue light applied directly to the composite hardens the filling material within seconds. Once it’s shaped and polished to a high shine, the restoration is complete.

We invite you to learn more about tooth fillings and sealants by visiting our office or giving us a call at 262-284-9011.

 

Graphic depicting a dental filling procedure with tools molding a material onto the tooth
  • How do dental fillings for cavities work?

    Cavity and tooth fillings are required when decay leaves holes in teeth. Left unchecked, the decay will continue to spread and damage the tooth’s hard material and, eventually, the inner pulp and root system.

    Getting a filling involves several steps to restore the tooth and prevent further decay.

    How Dental Fillings Work

    1. Diagnosis: After your X-ray and exam, your dentist will identify if there are any cavities present.
    2. Anesthesia Application: To make the procedure comfortable, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth.
    3. Removing Decay: We will remove any decayed part of the tooth using a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser.
    4. Cleaning the Affected Area: After removing the decay, your dentist cleans the cavity of bacteria and debris.
    5. Applying the Filling: For fillings, the material is placed directly into the prepared cavity, where it hardens.
    6. Polishing and Adjustment: After the filling is in place, your dentist will polish it and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper bite and comfortable fit.
    7. Follow-Up: We may schedule a follow-up visit to check the filling and ensure no bite alignment or sensitivity issues.
  • What types of fillings are there?

    There are several types of materials used for teeth fillings including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (an alloy consisting of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), tooth-colored plastic, composite resin and glass ionomer. The material used depends on your dentist, the extent and location of your tooth decay and your insurance coverage.

  • Is tooth sensitivity after a filling normal?

    When you get a filling, the area around the infected tooth is numbed. You shouldn’t feel anything for an hour or two after your appointment but once the numbing wears off it’s normal to feel pain in your teeth and gums.

    It’s common to experience pain when drinking or eating anything hot or cold. It is also not uncommon to feel pain or greater than usual sensitivity when you brush or floss near the infected tooth.

    Minimize Tooth Sensitivity

    You can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and gums by:

    • Taking an anti-inflammatory drug that contains ibupofren
    • Rinse your mouth with 1/2 to 3/4 tsp of salt mixed with warm water. This can reduce inflamation
    • Temporarily avoiding hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks.
    • Brush and floss gently
    • Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive

More Questions?

If you have more questions about fillings and sealants, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

Port Washington Family Dentistry

457 W Grand Ave.
Port Washington, WI 53074
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Hours

Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Phone

262-284-9011

Email Address

[email protected]