A treatment room with an intraoral scanner at Town Center Dental

Dental Fillings

A filling repairs a tooth damaged by a cavity. Your dentist removes the decay and fills the space with a material such as tooth-colored resin. The tooth is numbed first. Early cavities may cause no pain, which is why regular exams matter.

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Fillings repair cavities

Cleveland Clinic says fillings help repair tooth cavities.

Decay can be silent

A cavity does not always hurt. Exams and X-rays find problems before they grow.

Untreated decay gets worse

NIDCR says untreated tooth decay can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss.

Wait for numbness to fade

Cleveland Clinic suggests waiting until numbness wears off to avoid biting your cheek.

Fillings are a type of restorative dentistry used to treat cavities. Additionally, teeth that have been cracked, or teeth that have been worn down from grinding can be repaired with a filling. In order to fix a cavity, our dentists at Town Center Dental will remove the decay and pack the void with filling material. Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems. They can cause symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, and spontaneous toothaches. If you suspect you have a cavity, schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.

What Happens During a Filling?

During a filling, local anesthetics such as lidocaine are used. Dentists will inject the area using a needle. The injection may cause some discomfort initially, but this will prevent pain during the procedure. After the area is sufficiently numb, the dentist will begin to remove the decay using a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument. Next, the space must be filled to prevent further decay and buildup of bacteria in the area. Then a light is used to cure the material and make it harden. Finally, the dentist will file and polish the restored tooth.

What Type of Filling Material Will I Get?

There are a variety of materials available for filling cavities. Materials used for filling include gold, silver, porcelain, and resin. The type of material you receive will depend on the extent and location of the decay. Gold and silver amalgam are the most durable filling materials and can last up to 10 to 15 years. This type of filling can look out of place which is why some patients choose composite resin fillings.

Resin fillings come in a more natural color. Complex cavities can require an indirect filling or a temporary filling. Indirect fillings are used when teeth are too damaged for a normal filling but not damaged enough for a crown. Temporary fillings are used when a patient requires more than one appointment to fix their cavities or following a root canal. To maintain your fillings, it is important to practice good oral hygiene.

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

It is important to practice proper oral hygiene in order to prevent cavities. We must give our teeth sufficient attention every day to maintain good health. Be sure to brush and floss teeth twice a day or ideally after each meal, use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, and regularly visit our dentist every six months to receive a cleaning. If a cavity is left untreated it will affect the deeper layers of the tooth. This can lead to an abscessed tooth which is an infection at the root.

How Can I Take Care Of My Cavity?

Dental professionals recommend scheduling cleanings every six months. By doing so, you will be able to catch cavities early on in their development. If you suspect you have a cavity it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Town Center Dental offers all of these treatments and more, so please call us at 636-273-5866. Allow our experienced dental professionals to replenish your smile.

What happens after the filling

Time	What to expect	What to do
Right after	Numbness in the lip, cheek or tongue	Be careful with hot drinks and chewing
First hours	Numbness fades	Wait to eat until it does
First days	Some sensitivity can happen	Tell your dentist if it lasts or the bite feels high
Ongoing	The filling is checked at exams	Keep up brushing and flossing
Anytime	Filling cracks or falls out	Call the office during open hours

Can a cavity go away on its own?

Once a cavity has formed a hole in the tooth, it needs a dentist. NIDCR explains that decay begins when acids attack enamel. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost, and this is a sign of early decay.

Very early changes are a chance to act. The American Dental Association says fluoride helps fight cavities by repairing the damage acids can do to teeth. Your dentist may suggest fluoride and better habits, and will check the spot at later visits. A hole needs a filling, since NIDCR says untreated decay can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss.

See our cavities explained guide and the cavity glossary entry. Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts.

Can I have a cavity and feel nothing?

Yes. NIDCR says there are not usually any symptoms in early tooth decay. As decay advances, it can cause a toothache or sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold. That is why exams and X-rays matter, even when your teeth feel fine.

The American Dental Association says a cavity is a little hole in your tooth caused when acids from bacteria break down enamel. If you notice a spot, sensitivity to sweets, or food catching, say so at your visit.

Read about the dental exam and how tooth decay develops. Regular checkups give your dentist a good chance to catch it early. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday.

How long will my mouth feel numb, and when can I eat?

The numbness from a local anesthetic wears off on its own, but the time varies from person to person. Ask your dentist how long to expect for you.

Cleveland Clinic says waiting until the numbness wears off can keep you from accidentally biting the inside of your cheeks. Until then, choose soft foods and avoid very hot drinks.

If your bite feels high, or the filling feels rough or sharp, call the office. Read more in the post on how long dental numbing lasts and the guide to tooth-colored versus silver fillings. Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case.

Questions about dental fillings

Read the guideTooth-colored vs silver fillings: which is better, and should old ones be replaced?

Can a cavity go away on its own?

A hole in the tooth does not close on its own, so it needs a filling. NIDCR says a white spot is a sign of early decay. Your dentist may advise fluoride and habit changes to slow early changes, and will watch the spot.

Can you have a cavity with no pain?

Yes. NIDCR says early tooth decay does not usually have symptoms, so exams and X-rays matter. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss, NIDCR says. Tell your dentist about any spots or sensitivity you notice.

How long does dental numbing last after a filling?

It varies from person to person, so ask your dentist what to expect. Cleveland Clinic says waiting until numbness wears off helps you avoid biting your cheek. Your dentist can explain more at your visit. Ask your dentist what applies to you.

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A filling repairs part of a tooth. A crown covers the whole visible tooth. The American Dental Association says a crown can strengthen a tooth with a large filling when not enough tooth remains. Your dentist can help you choose.

What should I do if a filling falls out?

Call the office during open hours. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side until you are seen. The office is closed Friday to Sunday. Call (636) 273-5866 with questions. Bring your questions to your next visit.

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