Fillings and Composites
Are your teeth broken down or decayed? Do you want to make your teeth look better? Do you want fillings that are invisible?
In modern times there is no reason to deal with teeth that do not feel or look good. Here we explain dental fillings:
- Do I really need a filling?
- What is a filling?
- How does dentist do filling?
- Filling or Composite?
- Why tooth colored fillings?
- Should I replace old fillings?
- Will I have pain or sensitivity?
- How long will fillings last?
- Experienced dentists for fillings?
Contact Cranford Dental in Rock Hill, SC to make a filling appointment. Call 803-324-7670 or visit our office at 1721 Ebenezer Road, near Piedmont Medical Center.
Do I really need a Filling?
You may need a filling even if the tooth looks fine and does not hurt.
The doctor or hygienist may see signs of decay on your tooth before it causes you problems. Your dentist will take digital x-rays to find decay that may not be visible.
At Cranford Dental we show patients the x-ray of the tooth on the monitor. Often we take intra-oral photos of damaged teeth. We like to discuss where you need a filling and why.
With modern technology you can see what the dentist sees in your mouth. You will know that you need a filling and why.
With regular dental visits and modern technology you should be able to remove decay with a small restoration and protect the tooth from breaking down.
What is a Filling?
A dental restoration or filling is a treatment to restore a tooth back to its original shape after damage due to decay or other tooth damage.
The extent of the decay and amount of damage caused by the decay determines how the dentist fills in the damaged tooth. She will use a composite resin (tooth colored fillings), amalgam (alloy of mercury, silver, copper, and tin), gold, or porcelain to fill in the tooth. This filling material closes the hole, thus preventing bacteria from entering. This stops decay from damaging the tooth.
Fillings can also build up cracked or chipped teeth. This makes the teeth feel better and also protects them from further damage.
How does Dentist do Fillings?
- Your dentist will examine your tooth and take a digital x-ray to verify that dental decay or other issues have damaged your tooth.
- He will the prepare the tooth by removing the decay and damaged tooth surfaces.
- He will determine what type of restoration materials will work best for your situation.
- The dentist will then restore your tooth.
Ask him what type of restoration material he recommends and why.
With modern electric hand pieces and newer dental equipment, you will not feel discomfort as the dentist does the filling. You should not be bothered by sounds that equipment made in dental offices 40 years ago.
Filling or Composite?
When Dr. Bill Cranford started Cranford Dental in 1984, the primary option for treating decayed teeth was silver amalgam fillings. Silver fillings worked to stop decay and hold teeth together; however, the silver turned black over time. Today most or our patients prefer fillings that have the look and feel of natural teeth.
Our patients today prefer strong and life-like composite restorations. They want fillings that look and feel like natural teeth.
At Cranford Dental we prefer the look of natural colored fillings using composite materials but there are situations that demand gold or glass ionomer type materials.
As with most advances in dentistry, composites are superior to the old technology (silver fillings). Patients may opt to replace silver colored fillings to get a more natural looking smile.
Why get Tooth Colored Fillings?
- Composites require less removal of dental enamel, so they preserve more of the natural tooth.
- Composites will virtually disappear because they blend in with natural teeth.
- Patients who are concerned about health issues may feel safer with newer composite fillings.
Often our hygienists have to look at teeth with strong magnification to know if the tooth has been restored.
Patients who were bothered by noticeable fillings are often very pleased with the natural look of composite restorations. They have trouble remembering which teeth have been filled. Done properly, they look and feel like real teeth.
Should I Replace old Fillings?
If the edges of old fillings are not broken down or damaged there is no health reason to replace them.
Some people have concerns about the safety of the old fillings. Our policy is to leave the fillings if they still protect the teeth. We do not think they cause any harm to general health.
A valid reason to replace the fillings is wanting a more attractive smile. You may like composites if you want your teeth to all look the same, or if your smile shows teeth that have old silver fillings.
Talk you our dentists if you think you will feel better with replaced fillings or if you want a better smile. We will discuss changing to newer filling material; however, we will be upfront that the reason is psychological or cosmetic.
Will Fillings cause Pain or Sensitivity?
With modern technology there is no need to fear pain during a dental procedure. Talk to your dentist if you have anxiety about getting a tooth filled. She will discuss options to relieve your anxiety.
Our dentists use a method to give injections of anesthesia that assures you will not feel the nerve as your tooth is filled. You will barely know when he gives the injection.
After treatment you may feel slight sensitivity to hot or cold and the pressure of biting. Please contact our office if this lasts more than a few days after your filling.
How long will Fillings last?
With proper care and regular dental visits your fillings could last a lifetime.
The number of years the fillings stay in your teeth depends on the size of filling, the condition of your teeth, and your dental care.
Dentists Experienced in Fillings
Dr. Bill Cranford and Dr. Elizabeth Robinson have the latest training and many years of experience in fillings.
At Cranford Dental we offer a conservative approach to dentistry. Our dentists prefer to repair teeth before decay makes patients need more expensive or complex dental treatment. They can often restore damaged teeth with filling materials and avoid the cost of crowns.
The dentists will show you pictures to make you understand where you need a filling and why. You can trust that you will get the best possible care for your mouth.
Email Cranford Dental or call 803-324-7670 to make an appointment if you suspect that you have a tooth that needs to be filled.
You may want to schedule a cleaning appointment even if you do not suspect decay. Your dentist and hygienist will check for decay and assure you that your teeth and gums are healthy.