Cavity Fillings & Dental Sealants
At our practice, we prioritize your oral health with expert cavity fillings and dental sealants. These treatments repair damaged teeth and provide long-term protection against tooth decay, ensuring you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Dental Fillings and Sealants
Dental Fillings: Restore Your Smile
Dental fillings are essential for treating cavities and restoring damaged teeth. When you visit Dr. LoPresti, you can expect precise and effective care. Our team removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the affected area, and fills it with a material that restores the tooth’s functionality and enhances its appearance. This process helps prevent further decay and strengthens your teeth, so they remain healthy and strong.
Types of Fillings
Choosing the right filling material is crucial for effective treatment and aesthetic appeal. We offer a variety of filling options:
- Composite Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing and durable solution for restoring cavities.
- Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: Known for their strength and longevity, amalgam fillings are ideal for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest, though their use has decreased in favor of more aesthetic options.
- Porcelain Fillings: Also referred to as inlays or onlays, these fillings are crafted in a dental lab to match your tooth’s color and are bonded to the tooth. They offer a durable and natural-looking restoration.
Dental Sealants: Prevent Tooth Decay
Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They fill in the grooves and create a barrier against plaque and bacteria, helping to prevent cavities.
Benefits of Sealants
- Stops Tooth Decay: Sealants reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%. They act like a shield for your teeth.
- Long-Lasting: Sealants can protect your teeth for up to 10 years with proper care.
- Great for Kids and Teens: Sealants are especially helpful for children and teenagers, as they are more prone to cavities. Sealants can help keep their teeth healthy.
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What does a cavity look like?
A cavity often appears as a small hole or dark spot on your tooth. Sometimes, it can be hard to see without a dental checkup. Regular visits to the dentist are important to catch cavities early. Early detection helps prevent further tooth decay and keeps your smile healthy.
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Does getting a cavity filled hurt?
Getting a cavity filled usually doesn’t hurt. We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel much during the procedure. You might have some sensitivity afterward, but it goes away quickly. Our goal is to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
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How do you relieve tooth pain after getting a filling?
If you have any pain after getting a filling, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid eating very hot or cold foods and drinks. Keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing gently. If the pain doesn’t go away, call us for help.
Call us:
- If you have heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after 3-4 hours of applying pressure.
- If you can’t eat a healthy diet 48 hours after the procedure.
- If your pain or swelling gets worse after three days.
- If you have an allergic reaction like a rash, hives, fever, or irregular heartbeat.
- If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable after 48 hours.
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How long does it take to fill a cavity?
Filling a cavity usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The time depends on the size and location of the cavity. Our team ensures the process is quick and comfortable. It’s our goal to get you back to your day with minimal disruption.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about fillings and sealants or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.
