Do you have a persistent toothache? You may have a dental cavity that needs a filling!
Dental fillings protect and add strength to teeth compromised by decay, tooth wear, or other damage. Your trusted general dentist in Jacksonville, FL provides safe metal-free dental fillings for the best results. Dr. Alexander offers composite resin dental and porcelain fillings for patients of all ages. They are both great options for filling cavities with unnoticeable results. Both options are color-matched for natural-looking results.
Composite Resin Dental Fillings in Jacksonville
Composite resin fillings are also called white fillings. These fillings are made of a durable, biocompatible composite resin. They can come in various tooth-colored shades to best match natural teeth. Although not as long-lasting as porcelain fillings, composite fillings are still a great option.
Filling a cavity in your tooth can be done in a single visit. The first step is to numb the area around your tooth with an anesthetic. After numbing, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the filling by cleaning all bacteria and infection out. Dental fillings are applied to the tooth by hand without the aid of molds or other templates.
The resin is sculpted into place by Dr. Alexander and cured with a special light. The curing process is instantaneous. You can use your mouth normally within a couple of hours.
Replacing Metal Dental Fillings
Many patients with traditional amalgam fillings (metal fillings) choose to replace their dental fillings with comfortable and unnoticeable cosmetic dental fillings. Some patients have sensitivity to metal in their mouth and report having a metallic taste or discomfort because of their metal filling.
Dr. Alexander can replace your metal dental filling with either a composite resin filling, a dental inlay, or an onlay. It will depend on what option best matches your unique issue.
If a tooth has more significant decay or damage, Dr. Alexander may recommend a dental crown to hold the tooth together, adding protection, strength, and durability. Dental crowns can be used for a variety of dental issues.
Dental Inlays & Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are a type of indirect restoration. This means the restoration is manufactured outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth. Dr. Alexander uses state-of-the-art CEREC technology to create porcelain fillings in one visit.
First, Dr. Alexander takes a digital impression of the tooth. Then, using CEREC’s Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) software, he creates a custom-fit porcelain restoration covering the tooth. While the patient waits, the inlay or onlay is created and bonded to the tooth using a special adhesive.
A dental inlay typically fits inside the contours of the tooth, whereas a dental onlay covers the entire biting surface. This type of restoration is usually used when there is more significant damage to the tooth.
Dental Fillings FAQs
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental treatments we perform. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions and learn more about the process.
How many fillings can I get in one sitting?
Technically, there isn’t a limit to the number of fillings you can get at once. However, most dentists won’t do more than four at one time. Dental fillings put stress and trauma on your mouth and the rest of your body. You should take some breaks between fillings to give your mouth time to heal.
How long do I wait to eat after getting a dental filling?
Unlike amalgam, with composite fillings, you can eat on the same day you get the filling. But ensure you wait to eat until the anesthesia has worn off. At the very least, a local anesthetic will be used before we do a filling. You don’t want to attempt to eat while your mouth is still numb, in case you bite down on your soft tissue and don’t realize it.
Does your bite change after getting a dental filling?
Your bite can be a little uneven right after you get a dental filling. It’s common to experience a high filling, where the biting surface of the tooth with the filling is higher than the biting surface of the teeth around it. After a bit of time, the bite will even out, and your bite will fill normal again.
Does getting a filling hurt?
No. We completely numb the area with a local anesthetic before we start the filling process. If you experience dental anxiety, we offer multiple sedation options to relax you. The area around the tooth that got the filling may be sore the days after the filling. If you experience any sharp or sudden pain, call our office immediately.
How long does it take to get a dental filling?
Dental fillings are quick procedures we can complete in one appointment at our dental office. It takes about 20 minutes to an hour to get a filling.
Do I need a dental filling?
When you have a cavity, you need a dental filling. Some of the signs of a cavity include pain, particularly when you bite down or chew, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, and visible signs like a small hole in the tooth or the darkening of an area.
Contact us to learn more about dental fillings, Inlays, and Onlays in our Jacksonville dental office, or to schedule a dental exam with Dr. Alexander today. We serve patients near Jacksonville, Sans Souci, Englewood, Arrowhead, and beyond.