Fillings and Sealants
At Lakeview Family Dentists, we offer comprehensive tooth fillings and tooth sealants services to help you maintain optimal oral health. Whether you need to restore a decayed tooth or want to prevent cavities, our experienced team is here to provide the best care.
Tooth Fillings and Sealants
Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are essential for treating cavities and preventing further decay. We offer various types of fillings to suit your needs, including:
- Temporary Tooth Filling: A short-term solution used when immediate full restoration isn’t possible.
- Front Tooth Filling: Special care and materials are used to ensure a natural appearance for fillings on visible teeth.
- Tooth Filling Without Insurance: We offer affordable options and flexible payment plans to ensure you get the care you need without financial stress.
What to Do If Your Tooth Filling Fell Out
If your tooth filling fell out, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage or infection. Contact us immediately for a replacement filling. In the meantime, avoid chewing on the affected side and keep the area clean.
Tooth Sealants
Tooth sealants are a preventative dental care measure designed to protect your teeth from cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where decay often starts.
Benefits of Tooth Sealants
- Prevent Cavities: Sealants create a barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of your teeth.
- Easy and Painless Application: The process is quick and non-invasive, making it ideal for children and adults.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Sealants can provide protection for many years with proper oral hygiene.
Before
After
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How do dental fillings for cavities work?
When decay creates holes in teeth, it is necessary to have cavity and tooth fillings. If left untreated, the decay will continue to spread and harm the tooth’s hard material, and eventually the inner pulp and root system. During the filling procedure, dentists use a drill to clean away the decay inside the cavity. However, since this doesn’t repair the existing damage, a filling is needed. The purpose of the filling is to replace the part of the tooth that was destroyed by tooth decay. Your dentist will shape the filling to fit the existing tooth and restore its structural integrity, protecting the softer enamel that is exposed by decay.
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What types of fillings are there?
There are various materials used for teeth fillings, such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (an alloy made of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), tooth-colored plastic, composite resin, and glass ionomer. The choice of material depends on your dentist, the severity and location of your tooth decay, and your insurance coverage.
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Is tooth sensitivity after a filling normal?
After getting a filling, the area around the infected tooth is numbed. You shouldn’t feel anything for an hour or two after your appointment. However, once the numbing wears off, it’s normal to experience pain in your teeth and gums.
It’s common to feel pain when consuming hot or cold food and drinks. It’s also normal to experience increased sensitivity or pain when brushing or flossing near the infected tooth.
Minimize Tooth Sensitivity
You can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and gums by:
- Taking an anti-inflammatory drug that contains ibuprofen
- Rinse your mouth with 1/2 to 3/4 tsp of salt mixed with warm water. This can reduce inflammation
- Temporarily avoiding hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks.
- Brush and floss gently
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive
Schedule Your Fillings and Sealants Appointment Today
Lakeview Family Dentists is dedicated to providing top-quality care to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you need a tooth filling, sealant, or have any concerns about preventative dental care, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let our expert team in Dracut, MA, take care of your dental needs.
