FAQs
Common materials include amalgam (silver), composite resins (tooth-colored), gold, and porcelain.
Your general dentist will recommend the best material based on the location of the cavity filling, the extent of the damage, your budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Tooth-colored fillings (composite resins) are durable and aesthetically pleasing but may not be as long-lasting as amalgam fillings, especially for large cavities in back teeth.
Cavity fillings can last between 5 to 15 years or more, depending on the material used, their location in your mouth, and your oral hygiene practices.
The dentist in St Paul will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area, and then fill the cavity with the chosen material, shaping and polishing it to match your natural tooth.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort or sensitivity may occur afterward.
Fillings can sometimes fall out due to wear and tear, biting on hard objects, or decay around the filling. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent this.
Yes, dental fillings are safe. Amalgam fillings have been used for over a century and are considered safe, while composite resins and other materials are also well-tested.
For amalgam fillings, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before eating hard foods. Composite fillings harden immediately, so you can eat right away, but avoid chewing on the filling side for a few hours.
Signs include tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, visible holes or dark spots on your teeth, and discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
