Do you have a persistent toothache? You may have a dental cavity that needs a filling!
Dental fillings protect and strengthen teeth that are compromised by decay, tooth wear, or other forms of damage. Your trusted general dentist in Jacksonville, FL, offers safe, metal-free dental fillings for optimal results.
Dr. Alexander provides composite resin 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, also known as white fillings, are made from 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.
We can fill a cavity in your tooth 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 out all bacteria and infections. The dentist applies dental fillings to the tooth by hand without the aid of molds or other templates.
Dr. Alexander sculpts the resin into place and cures it with a special light. The curing process is instant. 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 them with comfortable and unnoticeable cosmetic dental fillings. Some people find metal fillings uncomfortable or notice a metallic taste. Dr. Alexander can replace metal fillings with tooth-colored ones, inlays, or onlays, whatever works best for your needs.
If a tooth has severe damage or decay, Dr. Alexander may suggest a crown to protect and strengthen it. Dental crowns can treat a variety of dental issues.
Dental Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are types of indirect restorations. This means we manufacture the restoration outside the mouth and bond it to the tooth. Dr. Alexander utilizes state-of-the-art CEREC technology to create porcelain fillings in a single visit.
First, Dr. Alexander takes a digital impression of the tooth. Using CEREC, he makes a custom porcelain cap for your tooth right in our office. While the patient waits, we make the inlay or onlay.
An inlay fits inside your tooth, while an onlay covers the entire chewing surface. We usually use this type of restoration when the tooth has more significant damage.
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 a 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, composite fillings allow you to eat on the same day you get the filling. However, ensure you wait to eat until the anesthesia has worn off. At the very least, we’ll use a local anesthetic before 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 uneven right after you get a dental filling. Sometimes a new filling can feel too tall, making your bite feel uneven. After a bit, the bite will even out, and your bite will feel 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 help you relax. The area around the tooth that got the filling may be sore for a few 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. If your tooth hurts when you eat, reacts to temperature changes, or has dark spots, you might have a cavity.
Contact us to learn more about dental fillings 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.