Dental Fillings in Houston: the short answer
A dental filling repairs a tooth damaged by a cavity or a small crack. At Olive Dental Group we remove the decay and rebuild the tooth with tooth-colored composite that matches your natural teeth. Most fillings are done in one visit with local numbing.
Dental Fillings In Houston, TX
Dental fillings are an example of restorative dentistry. Tooth fillings are ways of repairing a tooth’s strength and sealing off potential routes of infection. Although getting a filling may still trigger some feelings of anxiety, the process is a painless, quick, and easy way to make sure your tooth stays healthy. Dental fillings are commonly used for cavities and cracked teeth.
Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that live in a sticky film called plaque. Plaque adheres to the tooth’s surface and causes cavities and gum irritation. Once a cavity eats into the tooth enamel, your dentist at Olive Dental Group in Houston will need to remove the decayed tooth material and add a filling to take the place of the removed material.
What’s the process for getting a dental filling?
Getting a filling is a straightforward procedure. Your dentist will numb your tooth and gums with a local anesthetic. Next, using a drill, your dentist will remove the decayed material and hollow out the cavity. Then the filling material will be placed, and your filling will be done. However, the choice of filling you decide to use does have some impact on how placing the filling happens.
What kinds of fillings can I get?
Composite resins are used more frequently than any other filling material. They mimic the color of natural teeth and are durable. With good oral hygiene, they can last from 10 to 15 years. Your dentist at Olive Dental Group in Houston will place the composite material in your cavity in layers. Each layer is cured and hardened into place by use of an ultraviolet light that’s shined directly onto the layer. The layer causes the paste to harden immediately.
Amalgam fillings are also common. They are composed of a mix of tin and silver, last longer than composite fillings, and cost less. However, they don’t look as natural as they’re a grayish-silver color.
Getting a filling at Olive Dental Group is easy! Call us at 281-397-6161 to book an appointment today and receive the best dental care possible.
Dental Fillings in Houston: frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a filling?
Sensitivity to sweets, heat or cold, a dark spot, or a rough edge can signal a cavity, but early cavities often cause no symptoms. Regular exams and X-rays catch them while they are small.
Do you offer tooth-colored fillings?
Yes. We use composite resin that blends in with your teeth, and we can replace old silver (amalgam) fillings when they are worn or cracked.
How long does a filling take?
Most fillings take 30 to 60 minutes. You can eat normally once the numbness wears off.
Can I skip a filling if the cavity does not hurt?
It is not a good idea. Cavities keep growing without treatment, and fixing a small one early is quicker and more affordable than a crown or root canal later.