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At Elmhurst, we use composite resins, or “tooth-colored” fillings, for all of our dental fillings. They provide a durable, resistant filling to treat a cavity in a tooth and prevent further decay. Some composites even release fluoride to help strengthen the tooth. Fillings are best used for small to medium sized cavities.
While some very small cavities may not need local anesthesia, most cavities will require it to numb the area of the tooth. Once the patient is numb, the dentist will remove the decay (dead tooth) out. They will then place a bond (glue) in the cavity and put in the filling. The dentist will then smooth the filling surface and check the bite to make sure it’s comfortable. When the procedure is finished, it will be virtually impossible to even tell that there is a filling in that tooth.
There aren’t many side effects to dental fillings. Some people report a sensitivity to cold in the week or two after the filling is placed, but this sensitivity is temporary and naturally goes away most of the times. Composite fillings don’t last forever, and will sometimes need to be replaced or redone. If you ever feel any discomfort or pain after the filling, please come back so we can make sure there isn’t anything we can do to make it feel better!
