Dental Fillings in Erie, PA
Dental fillings are an easy way to treat holes, or cavities, that develop in a tooth, typically as a result of tooth decay. They restore the structure and function of damaged teeth. They also help prevent further decay. Sleep Dentistry is your best option for professionally installed dental fillings in Erie, PA – a procedure we are often able to complete in well under an hour.
Common types of dental fillings in Erie, PA
Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages in terms of durability, cost, and aesthetics. Plus, if they are dental fillings for a child, then there are some materials that are more suitable than others. Your dentist will discuss the options with you and help you decide which type of filling is best for you.
Here are the most common materials used in making dental fillings in Erie, PA.
Composite fillings
These are tooth-colored fillings made of acrylic resin and either glass or quartz particles. They are durable but cost more than amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are natural-looking and suitable for use on both back and front teeth. This makes them a popular choice for dental fillings in Erie, PA and elsewhere. They work best in small to medium-sized cavities but take longer to install than amalgam fillings.
Gold fillings
Gold dental fillings are the most durable and most expensive type of filling. They were quite common in the past but their cost and the fact that they are not tooth-colored may have contributed to them becoming less popular. Many patients now place a good deal of emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of natural-looking teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental fillings last?
Diligent dental hygiene can help extend the life of your fillings but, generally speaking, the lifespans of the different types of dental fillings are:
- Gold fillings – 15 to 25 years
- Amalgam fillings – 10 to 15 years
- Composite fillings – 5 to 10 years
- Ceramic fillings – 10 to 20 years
- Glass ionomer fillings – 2.5 to 5 years
How do I know my dental fillings need replacing?
There are several indicators that your dental fillings may need replacing. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your dental fillings checked if:
- The filling has become loose, damaged, worn, or discolored.
- You feel a sharp pain when you bite down on food.
- You are experiencing heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
- You have had recent facial trauma in the region of your filling.
Do dental fillings hurt?
No. The treatment causes little to no discomfort from start to finish. The dentist uses numbing agents so all you may feel is a slight sting in the beginning and then some discomfort, sensitivity, and mild pain afterward as the anesthetic starts to wear off. These disappear in one to two weeks.
Why would a dentist do a temporary filling?
Temporary fillings are much easier to put in than more permanent ones. Your dentist may decide to use one:
- As an emergency treatment if your cavity is causing you severe pain and there isn’t time to do a permanent filling.
- To seal your tooth while dental crowns are being prepared.
- To allow you to heal after a root canal before a permanent filling is put in.