Dental Fillings

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From cavities to sports injuries and other unintentional mishaps, accidents can and will happen to our teeth. By treating and repairing injuries to your teeth early, you can easily nip further damage in the bud. Fillings can do just that by keeping germs at bay and preventing further decay. Contact Circle Drive Dental for any dental mishaps you run into to get it corrected sooner rather than later.

Dental Filling Procedure


Dental fillings are a relatively simple way to repair a weakened tooth back to good, healthy functioning. Of course, the filling won’t heal the tooth, but it will help you continue to use your teeth just as you would before. Fillings are generally associated with treating cavities, but they can also be used to repair the structure and appearance of cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. They simply fill in the empty space of the weakened tooth to restore it and protect it from further harm.

One of the most appealing aspects of a composite dental filling is its ability to blend in with the rest of your teeth. Because they’re similar in color to your natural teeth and have good durability, they don’t just fix your tooth – they also fix your smile, giving you back your confidence and a smile to be proud of. 

Temporary Dental Filling

If you’re waiting for a custom filling or crown to be made for your tooth, your dentist may place a temporary filling in the meantime. Because it’s only a temporary filling, you’ll have to be more careful while going about your day. Try to steer clear of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Be gentle when you floss so you don’t snag and dislodge the filling and use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles to brush. 

How long do dental fillings last?

Composite fillings will last anywhere from five to ten years, provided you take good care of them and the rest of your teeth. However, if you start to notice signs of damage beyond normal wear and tear like tooth sensitivity, cracks, or sharp edges, it’s important to let your dentist know right away so that we can get to work replacing the filling for you. 

If you keep up to date on your regular cleanings and exams, our dentists can make sure everything is in good condition, and it’ll be smooth sailing. 

Dental Filling Care


After your dentist installs your filling, taking care of it is actually fairly easy! Generally, you can treat your new filling the same as you would any other tooth. Make sure to brush twice per day (not too roughly!), floss once per day, and protect your filling from the same things you’d protect your teeth from. That means avoiding chomping on ice cubes and opening things with your teeth! 

What if my dental 
filling falls out?

Maybe you were crunching on an apple and you felt your filling come loose. Don’t panic! Losing a filling can happen, and we completely understand. The first and most important thing you can do is call up your dentist and let us know what’s happened. We’ll get you an appointment as soon as we can to restore your filling back to new. 

In the meantime, you may be able to use a temporary over-the-counter dental cement to protect the area. Make sure you keep the area clean and free of bacteria until we can replace it for you.
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