Valley Dental Health provides dental fillings to repair decayed, worn down, or damaged teeth. This restorative dental treatment will restore strength and beauty to your tooth and help protect it from future damage. Although there are many materials available, our dentists prefer to use metal-free fillings for the most natural look.
Tooth decay is a preventable. There are several things you can do to prevent needing a dental filling. Brushing and flossing daily, limiting your sweets, and visiting the dentist regularly are all ways to help prevent tooth decay.
Valley Dental Health is a great choice for a family and general dentist office near Hunt Valley, MD and surrounding areas. Our team is led by Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat. Together, they have advanced dental training and are able to provide complete care under one roof.
Treating Tooth Pain and Toothaches
Tooth pain can affect your daily routine, and often seems to occur at the most inconvenient time. A toothache can have a variety of causes. You can try at-home treatments like warm rinses, external cold compresses, or a pain reliever to temporarily relieve the pain. Please do not try to use oral pain reliever directly on the tooth or attempt to repair a loose filling.
You should call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. At your dentist appointment, Dr. Izadi will examine your teeth and gums to locate the cause of the toothache. If tooth damage is present, he will recommend treatment to restore your oral health. Common causes for tooth pain include:
- Tooth cavity: Pain can be caused by infection that has reached the interior part of the tooth, known as the pulp.
- Tooth sensitivity: Patients with sensitive teeth may experience pain when consuming something hot or cold or when exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Teeth grinding: Bruxism can cause teeth to become sensitive or even damaged.
- Loose dental filling: Old fillings that have deteriorated over time can expose sensitive tissue, causing pain.
- Cracked tooth: Cracks in teeth are a breeding ground for tooth-eating bacteria.
Depending on the cause of your tooth pain, we may recommend a dental filling, root canal, mouthguard, or at-home dental products such as toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Restoring your oral health is important to prevent further damage or infection.
You can avoid a toothache with routine dental care. Regular visits to family dentist office helps us spot developing dental problems before they become a painful problem.
Types of Dental Fillings
Resin Dental Fillings – Resin dental fillings are “white fillings” that consist of biocompatible composite resin. Your dentist will apply it directly to the tooth and then cured with a special light. We generally use them for minor problems and tooth decay. Your dentist will bond the resin material to a healthy tooth. They are long-lasting, but not permanent.
Porcelain Dental Fillings – Other common names for porcelain dental fillings are inlays, onlays or partial crowns. They are for patients with more significant damage or decay because they add additional strength to the tooth. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain fillings can last many years.
Amalgam Dental Fillings – Amalgam dental fillings are “silver fillings”. These are very safe and effective. We use silver fillings on back teeth because they are able to withstand significant force. Silver fillings are durable and very long-lasting, although many patients choose to replace them with metal-free restorations as part of a smile makeover.
Gold Inlay Fillings – Other common names for gold fillings are inlays or onlays. They are made of an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. Gold fillings are very comfortable and are the longest-lasting dental filling.
Dental Fillings FAQs
How Does the Dentist Choose the Material for a Filling?
There are multiple materials to choose from when getting a dental filling. The price of each varies depending on the material used. Composite fillings have become increasingly popular. Composite fillings are cured with UV light so they tend to come with less pain than metal fillings. They also are made to match individuals’ tooth colors.
How Long Will My Filling Last?
On average dental fillings last anywhere between 5-15 years. You can extend the lifespan by flossing and brushing your teeth twice daily, and scheduling regular dental visits and cleanings. The best thing that patients can do to take care of their fillings and help them last longer before needing a replacement is to practice good oral care. This will also ensure your long term dental health.
Will I Be in Pain After a dental filling?
Patients commonly report some pain and sensitivity for 2-3 days after getting a dental filling. They are usually told to eat soft or cold items after the filling. Patients are likely going to be most sensitive to cold food and drinks, so keep this in mind when choosing food after getting a filling.
Can you eat after a cavity filling?
After a cavity filling patients should wait at least an hour before eating anything. Fillings harden under a UV light but it is still a good idea to wait and let it settle to eat.
How long does it take to recover from a cavity filling?
On average it takes two to four weeks to fully recover from a filling. After two weeks the sensitivity should begin to go away, but if it lasts longer than four weeks schedule an appointment to consult with your dentist.
