A dental filling is a treatment used to repair a cavity caused by tooth decay. When bacteria damage tooth enamel, they create a softened area that develops into a hole, known as a cavity. Dentists remove the decayed enamel and bacteria, leaving a clean cavity in the tooth. The cavity is then filled with a dental material to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
Fillings restore decayed tooth structure back to normal shape and function. This means it feels natural to your tongue and the way you bite. At Northglenn Dental, we use a dental material that also restores the tooth back to a normal appearance. Our composite resin filling material matches natural tooth colors and blends in beautifully.
We also use fillings to restore teeth that have damage from conditions other than tooth decay. Fillings can repair chipped, cracked or worn down teeth. Sometimes we use our perfectly-matched tooth-colored filling material to make cosmetic changes on teeth, like filling in small gaps or reshaping a front tooth.
Composite (tooth-colored) filling material has the added benefit of forming a bond with healthy tooth structure, leading to improved strength and long-term function.
A filling usually only takes one visit to our office. During a filling, our doctors work to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Before removing the decayed tooth structure, we use a local anesthetic to remove any painful sensations from the tooth being treated. The anesthetic turns off the nerve inside the tooth for a short time. This means you should not feel any pain or discomfort as we work.
To remove the actual decay, we use the traditional dental drill. Because of the numbness produced by the anesthetic, you will only feel cold water spraying in your mouth. The amount of time we spend removing the cavity depends on the size of the cavity. Very small ones take only a short amount of time, while large decay takes longer.
Once we completely removal the bacteria and decayed tooth structure, we can restore the tooth. Our dentists work with a skilled dental assistant to efficiently place the tooth-colored filling material. (We work quickly because the material cannot come into contact with saliva, and it does not taste good!) Then we shape and polish the newly placed filling until it feels natural to you.
Most likely, your tooth will remain numb until after you leave our office. This is normal, as the local anesthetic works for a few hours on average. When this numbness wears off, you should expect mild-to-moderate tenderness and sensitivity on the newly filled tooth. It is common to have sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as soreness when you chew, for the first two weeks after a filling. You may also experience tenderness at the site where the dentist administered the anesthetic.
If any of your symptoms linger for longer than two weeks, please come back to see us. Your comfort is our priority!
For more information on composite fillings, read our blog on Is It Time to Replace Your Silver Fillings.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Northglenn, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.