Tooth-Colored Fillings in Nashville

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Nashville

Are you concerned that you may have cavities in your teeth? Do you experience pain when brushing certain teeth or sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods? You may have tooth decay that requires a filling. Dental fillings help treat and relieve the pain associated with cavities while restoring the appearance and function of your tooth.


Overview of Tooth Fillings

A tooth filling is a restorative dental treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay, or otherwise damaged tooth surfaces. During a tooth filling procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the area on the tooth where the decay was removed with a composite filling.

While tooth fillings were traditionally made from metal alloys, composite fillings are becoming increasingly popular because they are tooth-colored and look natural.


What is a Cavity?

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by several factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and poor oral hygiene. The symptoms of a cavity depend on the severity of the decay. They include:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Tooth pain
  • A visible hole in your teeth
  • Black or white staining on your teeth

Why Would I Need to Get a Cavity Filled?

If left untreated, tooth decay can expand deeper into your tooth, spread to the surrounding teeth, and ultimately destroy the tooth, resulting in tooth loss. Dental fillings treat the tooth decay currently present on your tooth, but they also help prevent further damage.


Cavity Treatment Process

Here's what you can expect at your dental filling procedure at Miller Family Dentistry:

  • Local anesthetic to numb the area: Before we begin filling your cavity, we will numb your teeth, gums, and surrounding skin to prevent and lessen discomfort.
  • Decay removal: Using a drill or another specialized tool, we remove the decayed area of the tooth. We'll check the cavity to ensure that all decay has been removed and prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris.
  • Liner to protect the nerve if necessary: If the decay is near the root, we may put a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve.
  • Composite filling applied and hardened: The tooth-colored filling is applied in layers and set with a special light. Once the multilayering process is completed, we will shape the composite material to the desired shape, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.

Is Getting a Cavity Filled Painful?

Since we use a local anesthetic to numb the area near the tooth being filled, you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may feel some tenderness and soreness after the anesthesia wears out, which should go away in a day or two. You may also experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold after a cavity filling, but these sensations typically improve with time.


How Long Does Getting a Cavity Filled Take?

Generally, having a cavity filled takes an hour or less. Some simple fillings may take as little as 20 minutes, while a more extensive filling or multiple fillings will take longer.


Can I Drive Myself Home After a Tooth Filling?

In most cases, you will be able to drive yourself home immediately after having a tooth filling procedure. That's because we most often use a local anesthetic instead of oral or IV sedation.


Dental Filling Cost

The cost of a filling varies depending on the location, material used, and cavity size. On average, a tooth filling procedure costs $135 to $325 per filling, but this is typically covered by insurance.


Dental Fillings from Miller Family Dentistry

A dental filling treats tooth decay. Tooth-colored fillings from Miller Family Dentistry can prevent further damage, reduce pain and infection risks, and help maintain your overall dental health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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