Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings to Restore and Protect Your Smile
Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns, and many patients will need a filling at some point to restore their teeth. At Southern Magnolia Dental, we use high quality fillings that stop decay, protect the tooth, and restore natural appearance and function. Our fillings are designed to blend seamlessly with your teeth while strengthening their structure, helping you maintain both oral health and a confident smile.
Temporary Fillings for Short Term Protection
In some cases, a temporary filling may be recommended before a permanent restoration is placed. Temporary fillings are used to protect your tooth when additional appointments are required, after certain dental procedures, or when the tooth needs time to heal. They act as a protective seal, reducing discomfort and preventing bacteria from entering the tooth until your final treatment is ready.
Temporary fillings can also help relieve pain caused by cavities or dental trauma, giving patients immediate comfort while planning for long term solutions. While not designed to last indefinitely, they play an important role in stabilizing your oral health, maintaining proper function, and ensuring your permanent restoration has the best chance for long lasting success.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your appointment will begin with a gentle examination and, if needed, digital imaging to assess the tooth. After numbing the area, we carefully remove the decay, clean the space, and place the filling. Most fillings are completed in one visit and provide immediate relief and protection. We focus on making the process as comfortable as possible so you can leave with a healthier smile. At Southern Magnolia Dental, we ensure your temporary filling is both functional and comfortable.
Dental Fillings FAQ
Dental Fillings For a Child
Children also commonly experience cavities, even if they have great oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Dental fillings for children are often completed as quickly as they are for adults, although there are a few additional factors to consider.
For example, children under the age of five might need anesthesia if they are unable to sit still for the duration of the treatment. Due to this, your child's appointment might be longer, especially if they need to recover afterward from the anesthesia.
You can discuss your child's necessary accommodations with your dentist and also confirm how long the filling process will take.
Recovering After a Dental Filling
Most patients will notice that their dental fillings heal swiftly and without complications. As the anesthetic effect lessens, your tooth might experience sensitivity for a day or two. You can limit tooth sensitivity by following these steps:
- chewing on the other side of your mouth for two days
- gently brushing and flossing around the filling
- avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages
- avoiding acidic foods
- brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste
- asking your dentist about a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription
Inform your dentist if your bite feels misaligned or if you experience any extensive pain or sensitivity. Your dentist can modify the filling surface to correct your bite.
Pain Following a Dental Filling
When the filling is completed, you may experience slight discomfort in the area near your dental work for a few hours. If you are highly uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever or apply a small amount of heat or an ice pack to your jaw.
Anesthesia wears off completely in two to seven hours, so you might feel slight discomfort as your nerves regain their normal function.
You are encouraged to avoid acidic foods, sticky foods, and cold foods for a day or two to ensure that the cavity is completely sealed and that you do not experience further discomfort.
How to Know If You Need a Dental Filling
Routine dental checkups allow your dentist to identify a cavity early and offer immediate treatment, which will provide you with a superior and more comfortable outcome (treatment will be less invasive than if you were to visit your dentist less regularly and the issue is discovered at a more advanced stage). Symptoms of a possible cavity include:
- tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
- sensitivity to sugary foods and beverages
- extensive discomfort in a tooth
- a hole or pit within a tooth
- a significant tooth stain, whether it is white or a darker color
If you believe that you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. They will confirm whether you require a filling or another form of treatment.