Fillings

A filling is one of the quickest and simplest treatments you can get from your dentist to minimize and treat tooth decay. The dentists at Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, examine your teeth to detect cavities while it’s still early, even if they don’t cause symptoms. Schedule an appointment over the phone or book one online today.

What are fillings?

Fillings are a common and simple treatment for cavities in your teeth, which are areas of decay that leave holes in the enamel. There are multiple materials you can get for a filling, including some metal options like gold and amalgam. Most people opt for tooth-colored options like porcelain or composite resin. 

While the team at Hendricks Dental Specialists can paint a composite resin filling on layer by layer, hardening the liquid with a curing light, fillings that are already solid, such as porcelain, are called inlays and onlays. Your dentist makes them using an impression of your tooth after removing the decay. 

If you feel any sharp pieces after getting a filling at Hendricks Dental Specialists, you can schedule another appointment so the team can file down the filling to make it smooth.  

How can I tell if I need a filling?

In many cases, you won’t notice you need a filling until your dentist informs you of a cavity they detect during a routine exam. Early detection is possible when you get a comprehensive exam and cleaning every six months at Hendricks Dental Specialists. 

As a cavity gets worse, symptoms can start to appear. You might experience:

• Tooth pain
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Discolored spots on your teeth
• Visible holes in your teeth

The team can check the depth of a cavity or detect cavities they can’t see right away using digital X-ray imaging in the office. 

What will my tooth feel like after I get a filling?

When you leave the dentist’s office after getting a filling, you can expect a little more tooth sensitivity than usual. It can last for up to two weeks but might fade away before then. Any increased sensitivity might be due to sweet food, cold food, or air when breathing in. 

If you feel like your bite doesn’t fit together perfectly when you leave after getting a filling, it might be because the filling is a little too tall. That is common and easy to fix. Simply book another appointment, and the team can make the necessary adjustments. 

Schedule your next comprehensive examination by calling Hendricks Dental Specialists or booking one online today.