Fillings

Getting a filling sounds like a complex dental procedure, but it’s a simple way to strengthen a tooth after a cavity. Plus, it involves anesthesia for your comfort. At Cottage Grove Dental Care in Marion, Iowa, dentists Connie A. Miller, DDS, Matthew Sieverding, DDS, and the rest of the team provide various types of fillings to treat cavities. To find out if you have a cavity in need of a filling, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are fillings?

Fillings are dental treatments for cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by decay. Cavities form due to a combination of several factors, including dietary components like sugar and naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth. You’re also susceptible to cavities if you don’t clean your teeth adequately when you brush and floss. 

Cottage Grove Dental Care provides fillings as one of many family dentistry services, as cavities can affect people of all ages. You can choose from several materials for a filling, including silver, gold, and tooth-colored materials like composite resin and porcelain.

When you come in for a filling, the team removes any decayed portions of the tooth before shaping the space for your filling. They might also place a liner in your tooth for extra protection for the exposed nerves and soft tissue called the pulp.

When do I need fillings?

You need a filling when you have a cavity. The signs and symptoms of a cavity vary widely, so you might not realize you have one. The Cottage Grove Dental Care team looks for cavities during your wellness exams and tells you when you need fillings. 

You should schedule an appointment to find out if you have a cavity if you experience symptoms such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Toothache
• Visible holes in your teeth
• Stains on your teeth that appear black, white, or brown

Getting regular examinations helps you find cavities when they’re still small and easy to treat. Plus, treating cavities means avoiding complications like tooth abscesses and broken teeth.

How long do fillings last?

The time you can expect your filling to last depends on the material. Metals, like gold and silver amalgam, tend to last for 10-15 years, while tooth-colored porcelain fillings last for longer than 15 years. Porcelain fillings are also stain-resistant so that they won’t stand out in your smile due to discoloration. 

You can prolong the life of your filling by maintaining your oral hygiene. That includes brushing and flossing every day and visiting the Cottage Grove Dental Care team for professional cleanings every six months. 

If you’re ready to learn more, call the office to request a visit. You’re also welcome to try online booking, which is available around the clock.