Exceptional Dental Fillings in Batavia, IL

Dental fillings are used to fill holes in your teeth left by cavities. They are typically made up of single or a combination of metals, resin, glass, or other materials. Dentists will remove the decay left from cavities to help preserve the tooth, leaving behind a cavity. These fillings then "fill" the hole and help restore your smile and overall oral health. 

Fillings can also be used to fix cracked or broken teeth. If you have teeth that have been worn down from grinding or nail-biting, fillings can be a solution.

The most common types of dental filling materials are:

• Gold
• Porcelain
• Silver amalgam (I do not use this material anymore due to unpleasant looks)
• Resin and glass materials - otherwise known as "composite fillings"

Temporary fillings are sometimes required if you need more than one appointment to complete your filling. They are not meant to last and typically fall out within one month of use. Some common cases for temporary fillings include:

• If you need additional treatment for your filling
• Before having placement of gold or indirect fillings
• Following a root canal
• Allowing the tooth's nerve to settle down if it has been disturbed and is causing pain
• If other emergency dental treatments are needed

We recommend that you get your follow-up appointment scheduled right away so that you can get the temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. This prevents additional damage.

The first step in the tooth-filling process is your dentist numbing the affected and surrounding areas of your mouth. This involves applying a local anesthetic. The next phase is removal of the decay and damaged tooth area. The choice of instrument depends on the dentist and their experience/comfort level. It could also depend on how extensive the decay is.

Your dentist will then test the affected area to confirm if all the decay has been removed properly. Once all the decay has been removed, your dentist will prep the area by cleaning it of all debris. There may be additional steps if the cavity is near the root, in which case your dentist may apply a liner to protect the nerve. After that, they will place the filling and then clean and polish it. 

It is important for your dental care that you try to maintain the health of your fillings so you do not need to get them replaced. You can do this by flossing at least twice daily, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and coming back to your dentist for routine cleaning and preventative care.