Bright32 – General Dentistry – SHORELINE, WA
Dental Fillings in Shoreline, WA
Restore Your Tooth With A Dental Filling
A dental filling’s purpose is to help remove the carious (or decayed) portion and seal the tooth for proper function and esthetics. By addressing a small cavity, it can help avoid larger tooth decay or the breakdown of a tooth and the need for more extensive treatment like dental crowns or onlays.
Many people will develop tooth decay because of poor oral hygiene habits and/or a high frequency diet of sugars and carbohydrates. When one or both of these issues occur, the bacteria in plaque use the sugar remaining on teeth to create an acid. The acid will break down the enamel and other layers of our teeth to create a hole. This process usually continues until the decay is excavated and the tooth is filled.
Dental Fillings at Bright 32
Bright 32 Family Dentistry uses only the highest quality of materials to ensure your dental filling is safe, esthetic, and long-lasting. This is why we use materials that we would use on our own family members. Composite resins (white fillings) are cosmetically pleasing and BPA-free, giving it a natural appearance close to your own teeth. If you need a slightly larger filling, a porcelain inlay or dental crown may be recommended and is a durable and excellent cosmetic option to match your natural tooth.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or mild to moderate pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet, contact our office today so we can help you determine the best steps in finding a solution to your pain.
Get Your Dental Concerns Addressed With A Free Virtual Consultation
Step 1
Upload a photo of your smile
Step 2
We will create a personalized video with recommendations
Step 3
View your video and schedule an appointment
The Dental Filling Process
1
Initial Consultation
From the comfort of your home you can schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Brenner where he will evaluate and discuss your needs. If it is determined that you may need a dental filling, he will schedule you for an in-office consultation where he will take X-rays to examine the extent of the decay and determine the best course of action for your teeth.
2
Preparing the Tooth
There are many materials Dr. Brenner can use to fill a tooth, but the process for each is similar. With little or no discomfort, an anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of an anesthetic or get nervous and/or anxious, Dr. Brenner would be happy to discuss your sedation options.
3
Prepping Your Filling
After your anesthetic has set in, Dr. Brenner uses a handheld instrument to remove the decayed area of the tooth. Once this has been complete, 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.
4
Post-Restorative Care
It is normal to experience temporary numbness from the anesthetic, which should wear off within a few hours. It’s best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling for 24 hours. Continue to brush and floss every day, and visit Bright 32 Family Dentistry at least twice per year for your routine exam.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
- Protect your smile from widespread damage
- Save your tooth from more costly work or an extraction
- Virtually painless and immediately beneficial
What are the signs of a cavity?
Signs of a cavity can vary but the most common are:
- Pain that occurs without an apparent cause
- A visible hole or pit in your tooth
- Mild to sharp pain while eating or drinking
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when chewing or biting down
How long do dental fillings last?
A dental filling can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and routine dental visits at Bright 32. For larger restorations, you may be recommended to consider an onlay or crown for a more permanent solution as fillings can wear down over time.
What is the cost of a filling?
Exact pricing for your treatment can only be determined after an exam. At Bright 32 Family Dentistry we accept most major dental insurances, offer an in-office membership program, as well as provide flexible financing options to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. We work with all of our patients to fit costs into your budget and find a plan that works for YOU!