Signs You May Need a Filling
Cavities and minor tooth damage can develop without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are essential. However, some common signs that indicate you may need a filling include:
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- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
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- Visible dark spots or holes on the tooth
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- Pain or discomfort when chewing
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- Rough or sharp edges on the tooth
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- A cracked or broken existing filling
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an exam as soon as possible to prevent the decay from worsening.
Types of Dental Fillings
At Brookside Family Dentistry, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings, which provide a strong, durable, and natural-looking restoration. However, there are several different types of fillings available, each with its own benefits.
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
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- Made from a blend of resin and glass particles
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- Matches the natural color of your teeth
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- Bonds directly to the tooth for added strength
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- Minimally invasive, preserving more natural tooth structure
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- Ideal for small to medium-sized cavities
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
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- Made from a blend of metals, including silver and mercury
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- Durable and long-lasting but more noticeable in appearance
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- Mostly used for back molars due to their strength
Gold Fillings
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- Extremely durable and long-lasting (can last 20+ years)
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- More expensive than composite or amalgam fillings
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- Requires multiple visits for placement
For most patients, composite tooth-colored fillings are the preferred choice due to their natural appearance, strength, and minimal invasiveness.
What to Expect During a Filling Procedure
Getting a dental filling is a quick and painless procedure that usually takes less than an hour.
Step 1: Numbing the Area
A local anesthetic is applied to numb the affected tooth and surrounding gums, ensuring a pain-free experience.
Step 2: Removing Decay
The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is carefully removed, leaving behind a healthy tooth structure.
Step 3: Filling Placement
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- For composite fillings, the material is applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light.
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- The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth.
Once complete, your tooth will be fully restored, allowing you to chew and smile comfortably.
Caring for Your Fillings
Proper care ensures your fillings last for many years. Follow these simple steps to maintain your restoration:
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- Brush and floss daily to prevent new cavities
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- Avoid excessive consumption of sugary or acidic foods
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- Limit chewing on hard foods (like ice or hard candy) to prevent cracking
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- Schedule regular dental checkups for monitoring and maintenance
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- If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a nightguard
With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, composite fillings can last 10+ years before needing replacement.
Schedule Your Dental Filling Appointment in O’Fallon, MO
If you suspect you have a cavity or a damaged filling, don’t wait until it worsens. At Brookside Family Dentistry, we provide gentle, high-quality composite fillings to restore the strength, function, and appearance of your teeth.
Protect your smile—schedule your appointment today!
FAQs
When do I need a dental filling?
You may need a filling if you have a cavity, a chipped tooth, or an old filling that has worn down or cracked. Your dentist will diagnose this during an exam and X-rays.
What types of fillings are available?
Tooth-colored composite fillings are the most common today because they blend with your natural teeth. In some cases, other materials may be recommended based on the tooth’s location and function.
What happens during a filling appointment?
The dentist numbs the area, removes the decayed or damaged tooth structure, cleans the space, and places the filling material. The filling is then shaped and polished so it feels smooth and natural.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on its size, location, material, and your oral habits. With good home care and regular checkups, many fillings last several years or longer before needing repair.
Will getting a filling hurt?
You should not feel pain during the procedure because the area is numbed. Some patients feel mild sensitivity or soreness afterward, but this typically improves within a few days.
