Dental fillings repair mild to moderate damage or tooth decay. This general dental service can save teeth and prevent further damage. Dental fillings are highly durable and help stabilize the tooth’s structure, sealing future decay. Dr. Heather Adams provides dental fillings to patients in Rogers, AR. She uses high-quality, composite resin fillings to help patients repair decay with natural-looking, lasting results.
Resin fillings are a cosmetic alternative to traditional silver fillings. We color-match resin to blend seamlessly with the tooth, improving the smile’s aesthetics and health. Patients with old metal dental fillings, especially those in the “smile zone,” may consider replacing them with white composite resin fillings. Resin can achieve a more natural-looking smile than traditional metal fillings.
Prevent Cavities With Proper Flossing
We all listen carefully during our routine dental visits to the oral hygiene tips Dr. Adams and her staff provide to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. We commit to a healthy daily routine and enjoy our fresh, clean smiles! But how often do we forget (or choose not to) brush diligently and floss our teeth, thinking it doesn’t matter much?
Dr. Adams will remind you that it’s essential. Just as it is important to eat healthily and move around every day, brushing AND flossing daily are the keys to enjoying a lifelong smile that is strong and healthy.
Flossing your teeth is the best way to remove food particles and reduce plaque build-up between the teeth. This reduces the risk of developing a tooth cavity. Flossing helps keep the gums healthy and can prevent gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss today.
Making something a habit requires us to do it every day until it is such a natural part of daily life that we can do it without thinking about it. Tooth brushing and flossing should be a natural part of your daily life to keep your smile as healthy as possible between regular visits to our Rogers dentist office.
Signs of Tooth Decay
Cavities are holes in teeth caused by harmful bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches left over in the mouth. They produce digestive acids that break down the tooth enamel. Over time, this creates holes or pits in teeth.
In addition to cavities, look out for these signs of dental infection:
- Toothaches
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitivity to cold foods and drinks
Treating these symptoms early on can prevent the need for a filling. Also, you may need tooth removal if we cannot save your tooth with a filling. Scheduling regular dental treatment can prevent the need for fillings or tooth extractions. Our office can provide preventative cleanings that preserve your tooth and gum health.
Dental Fillings in Rogers, AR
Tooth fillings are a routine procedure we complete in one visit to our Rogers, AR, dentist’s office. First, we may administer a local anesthetic for optimal comfort. Once the area is numb, Dr. Adams will remove the decayed tissue from the tooth. She will thoroughly clean and prepare the tooth for dental filling material placement.
Then, she color-matches the material and gently injects it into the tooth for optimal results. She seals the filling with a special light that activates the hardening agent. Once dry, she files down the filling for your comfort. Finally, she polishes the tooth to a natural shine.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Dental fillings are a conservative solution to repairing a decayed or damaged tooth. Left untreated, tooth decay can damage the tooth’s structure. Over time, you may require more advanced treatment options such as an inlay or onlay, root canal, or tooth extraction.
Routine dental health exams help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. Six-month dental checkups can catch developing decay early. These visits can prevent further damage to your smile and the need for complex restorative dental treatments.
A good oral hygiene routine can also stop decay in its tracks. At home, floss and brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing before brushing will remove leftover food and bacteria from between your teeth. Then, brushing for two minutes will help cavity-fighting ingredients reach between teeth.
Dental Fillings FAQs
Learn more about dental fillings in our Rogers, AR office with answers to these frequently asked questions:
Do cavities cause permanent damage?
Yes! Your tooth is not able to recover after a cavity has formed. Furthermore, if you do not treat it, the decay will spread until the tooth is destroyed. The earlier you treat a cavity with a filling, the more conservative the treatment will be.
How long will a dental filling take?
Dr. Adams can complete a dental filling in just one visit, and the procedure can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour. The time frame will depend on the size and location of the cavity. If you have more than one cavity in a different location, then you may need several appointments.
Can I drive after a dental filling?
Most people are perfectly fine to drive after a cavity filling. However, if you suffer from dental anxiety and require sedation to complete the treatment, we recommend finding a ride home from your appointment. If you cannot find a ride, we will need to monitor your condition afterward to make sure you are okay to drive.
Can I eat after a dental filling?
We always recommend waiting until the anesthetic wears off before eating. It is difficult to control your muscles during this time, and you can easily bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue. You may consume soft foods that do not require chewing until the anesthetic wears off.
Are dental fillings painful?
You will not feel any pain during your filling. Our dentist will numb your mouth so you feel comfortable. After treatment, it’s normal to feel soreness or discomfort. We recommend taking pain medication and being gentle with your treated teeth.
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings can last for many years, but how long they last depends on the material used, the location, and how well you take care of your teeth. However, composite (tooth-colored) fillings last around 5 to 10 years.
Taking good care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly can help make your fillings last longer. Over time, your restoration may wear down, and you may need them replaced.
When can you eat after a filling?
After getting a filling, you can usually eat once the numbness from the procedure wears off. This may take a few hours, so avoid eating until you can feel your mouth fully. If you had a filling with a hard material, like silver or porcelain, it’s best to wait 24 hours before chewing on that side of your mouth to give the filling time to set properly.
For composite (tooth-colored) fillings, you can eat sooner, but it’s still a good idea to avoid very hard or sticky foods for a day or two. If you’re unsure, ask your dentist about the best time to eat after your filling.
Can fillings change the shape of my teeth?
Fillings are made to restore the natural shape of your tooth after it has been damaged by decay. In most cases, they will not change the shape of your tooth significantly. However, if a filling is large or if the dentist needs to reshape your tooth so it fits properly, it may feel a little different when you bite or chew.
If you notice any discomfort or if your filled tooth feels uneven, it’s important to visit your dentist. They can adjust the filling to make sure your tooth feels comfortable again.
Get Comfortable Tooth Fillings in Rogers, AR
Are you looking for a way to get pain-free dental fillings? Call Dr. Adams at (479) 323-3011. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Adams online.