Dental Filling
Dentist McHenry, IL
 Dental fillings are needed when you have tooth decay that needs to be removed. Since the tooth root needs to be protected and can be quite painful if left exposed, we need to fill the empty space. Fillings protect you from pain and other unpleasant symptoms, but they also prevent future infection as well. Generally speaking, fillings are built to last a long time. However, the exact durability and strength will be heavily determined by the material used. We can provide more information at McHenry Smile Center.
Available Materials
We have five different types of fillings available at our office. When deciding on a material, we consider aesthetics as well as function. For instance, your back teeth are more involved in chewing and they are not very visible, so we would prioritize strength over a natural look. On the contrary, for front teeth, we would prioritize visual appeal.
The materials that we have available are gold, silver (amalgam), composite resin, glass ionomer, and ceramic (porcelain). Gold is the most expensive, but also the most durable. Silver, however, is also very strong. These two do not match the color of your natural teeth.
Composite resin, glass ionomer, and ceramic are much more aesthetically pleasing as they are made to match the color of your natural teeth. They are also less expensive than gold or silver. That said, these are not nearly as durable, so they are not recommended for the back teeth.
Filling Procedure
Dental fillings do not always require anesthesia, but we will provide it if necessary. We generally only use a local anesthetic, but we can use a general anesthetic if you are particularly anxious about the procedure.
To begin, we use either a drill, laser, or air abrasion tool to remove any decayed tissue. Our dentist will probe the cavity to ensure that all decayed tissue is removed. If the tooth root is exposed or nearly exposed, our dentist may use glass ionomer or composite resin to protect it prior to filling in the cavity with the chosen material.
Once the cavity is completely filled, our dentist uses a special type of light to “cure” the material. This will harden it instantly. At this point, our dentist can trim any excess filling material and shape it to match your natural tooth. Your tooth is polished as the final step in this procedure.
Recovery and Maintenance
Recovery is fairly straightforward. It does take a few hours for the anesthesia to wear off. You may experience slight tenderness for a few days. We recommend avoiding foods that are hard or sticky for the first several days following the procedure. Once you are completely healed, you can return to normal activity.
We will explain the expected lifespan of your filling at your appointment. In general, they will last about five to fifteen years, with metals lasting longer. If your filling is ever damaged, give us a call right away. We will need to clean the area and refill it so that your tooth does not become infected in the future. For additional information on dental fillings, call (815) 578-1000. |
