Dental Fillings in Washington, DC
Repair Cavities and Damaged Teeth with Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, small fractures, or wear. Treating a cavity while it is still small can help preserve more of the natural tooth and reduce the likelihood of needing more extensive treatment later.
At Modern Dentistry, most fillings are completed using tooth-colored composite resin and adhesive dentistry. Modern composite materials are strong, natural-looking, and carefully matched to the surrounding tooth.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A filling is a restoration used to replace the portion of a tooth that has been damaged by decay or fracture. After the unhealthy or weakened tooth structure is removed, the filling material is bonded into place to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function.
Several filling materials are available. Most restorations at Modern Dentistry are completed using composite resin because it:
- Blends naturally with the tooth
- Bonds directly to the remaining tooth structure
- Requires conservative tooth preparation
- Can be shaped and polished for a comfortable bite
- Is suitable for both front and back teeth in many situations
Ask the Doctor
How Is the Need for a Filling Diagnosed?
Tooth decay does not always cause pain in its early stages. Regular dental examinations are important because they allow us to detect cavities while they are still relatively small.
Your dentist may identify decay through:
- A visual and clinical examination
- Dental X-rays
- Changes in the color or texture of the tooth
- Sensitivity to sweets, cold, or pressure
- A chipped, cracked, or worn area of the tooth
Finding decay early often allows the tooth to be repaired with a smaller and more conservative restoration.
What Happens During a Filling Procedure?
Most filling appointments begin with numbing the tooth and surrounding area to keep you comfortable. The dentist then removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and prepares the area for the restoration.
For a composite filling, the tooth is treated with a bonding agent before the tooth-colored resin is placed in layers. Each layer is hardened, and the filling is then shaped and polished. Your dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments before the appointment is complete.
Many fillings can be completed during a single visit.
Does Getting a Filling Hurt?
The tooth is usually numbed before treatment, so you may feel pressure or vibration but should not feel sharp pain. Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur after a filling and often improves as the tooth adjusts.
Contact our office if your bite feels uneven, the tooth remains painful, or your symptoms become worse rather than better.
Filling or Crown: Which Do I Need?
A filling is generally appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. If a tooth has a very large cavity, significant fracture, or extensive existing filling, a dental crown or another type of restoration may provide better protection.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and explain the most conservative treatment that is likely to provide a predictable result.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on its size, location, your bite, oral hygiene, diet, and habits such as grinding or clenching. With appropriate care, composite fillings can remain functional and attractive for many years.
Brushing twice daily, flossing, attending regular dental visits, and wearing a nightguard when recommended can help protect your restorations.
Schedule a Dental Filling Consultation
A small cavity can grow and weaken the tooth when left untreated. Contact Modern Dentistry to schedule an examination if you have tooth sensitivity, a chipped tooth, discomfort while chewing, or have been told that you need a filling.
