Do you have tooth pain? If you notice tooth sensitivity, holes in your tooth, or tooth discoloration, you may have a cavity. Dr. Rita Tempel provides dental fillings in Gettysburg, PA. Fillings are a general dentistry service that can prevent the need for tooth extractions. We prefer white fillings over metal amalgam fillings because they match the color of your teeth and reduce sensitivity.
When Do I Need a Dental Filling?
Fillings help restore the shape and strength of your tooth, and they stop decay from spreading. But how do you know if you need one? You may need a filling if you have:
- A Cavity (Tooth Decay): Cavities are one of the most common reasons for needing a filling. They happen when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that wear away your tooth enamel. If left untreated, a cavity can grow deeper and cause more serious problems. A filling stops the decay and seals the tooth to protect it.
- Tooth Pain or Sensitivity: If you feel pain when eating something sweet, hot, or cold, it could be a sign of a cavity or a damaged tooth. A tooth filling can fix the damage. You’ll also feel more comfortable after treatment.
- A Visible Hole or Dark Spot: You might notice a hole, crack, or dark spot on your tooth. This can be a sign of decay or damage. Treatment prevents this problem from getting worse.
- A Chipped or Broken Tooth: A filling can fix chips or cracks in your tooth from chewing hard foods or an injury. You may also need a filling if you grind your teeth. Treatment will protect the tooth and keep bacteria from getting inside.
The Dental Filling Process at Gettysburg Smiles
If you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, Dr. Rita Tempel and her team at Gettysburg Smiles can restore your tooth using a dental filling. Our filling process is simple, comfortable, and designed to protect your tooth while keeping your smile looking natural.
Exam and Diagnosis
First, Dr. Tempel will examine your teeth and may take X-rays to check the size and location of the cavity. If you need a filling, she’ll explain your treatment options and answer your question. Before starting the procedure, we’ll numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic. This keeps you comfortable and pain-free while we work.
Removing the Decay and Cleaning the Tooth
Once the area is numb, Dr. Tempel will gently remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth using a dental tool. This step ensures all bacteria and decay are gone before the filling is placed. After she removes the decay, she cleans the tooth to remove any leftover debris or bacteria. Cleaning the tooth prevent future problems and ensures proper bonding.
Placing the Filling
At Gettysburg Smiles, we use white fillings, also called composite resin fillings. These tooth-colored fillings are made to match the natural color of your teeth. Dr. Tempel will apply the filling material in layers, shaping it carefully to match the shape of your tooth. She uses a special light to harden each layer of the filling. Curing helps the material bond to your tooth and become strong and durable.
Final Shaping and Polishing
Once the filling is in place, Dr. Tempel will check your bite. She’ll make any needed adjustments. Then she’ll smooth and polish the filling so it looks and feels natural.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more by reading answers to common questions about dental fillings in Gettysburg, PA.
Do I need a dental crown after I get a filling?
In most cases, you don’t need a dental crown after getting a regular filling. But Dr. Tempel may recommend a dental crown instead of or in addition to a filling if:
- The cavity is very large, and there isn’t enough healthy tooth left to support a filling.
- Your tooth is cracked, broken, or weak and needs extra protection.
- You’ve had a root canal.
- Your tooth has already had multiple fillings, and another one might not be strong enough.
What are the benefits of white fillings over metal fillings?
White fillings, or composite fillings, offer several benefits over traditional fillings. These types of fillings blend in, so no one can tell you have a filling. White fillings bond directly to your tooth, which helps strengthen it. This also means less of your healthy tooth needs to be removed.
Metal fillings can expand or shrink when they get hot or cold, which may lead to cracks in the tooth over time. White fillings don’t react as much to temperature changes. Metal fillings contain a small amount of mercury, which some patients prefer to avoid. White fillings are completely mercury-free and give many people peace of mind.
Can cavities heal on their own without a filling?
No, cavities cannot heal on their own once they’ve formed. If you sustain minor damage to the outer layer of your tooth, fluoride and good brushing habits may help stop it from getting worse. But once a hole forms in your tooth, it won’t go away by itself. You’ll need to treat your cavity.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
Yes, if you got a white (composite) filling, you can eat as soon as the numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue while your mouth is still numb. Try to avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods for the first day. Eating soft foods can help protect your filling and keep your tooth comfortable.
Can I brush and floss after I get a filling?
Yes, but be gentle around the area where you got the filling if your tooth feels a little sensitive. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush carefully. Flossing is also safe. Go slowly and don’t snap the floss between your teeth.
If you’re unsure about how to clean around a filled tooth, please ask Dr. Tempel or one of our hygienists. We’ll be happy to show you the best way to care for your teeth.
Will my tooth be sensitive after a filling?
Your tooth may feel a little sensitive after getting a filling. You might notice discomfort when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. This sensitivity usually goes away on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks as your tooth adjusts. If you get a white filling, you won’t feel regular sensitivity as you can with a metal filling.
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings can last 5 to 10 years or more. How long your filling lasts depends on the size and location of the filling, if you grind your teeth, and how well you brush and floss. We recommend that you continue to brush and floss as normal after you get your filling to remove harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes, a filling can fall out if it’s old, damaged, or under pressure from teeth grinding or chewing hard foods. If this happens, call Dr. Tempel’s office right away. A lost filling can leave your tooth exposed and more likely to get infected or damaged. We’ll replace a loose or lost filling quickly to protect your tooth.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you need to treat dental cavities? Get comfortable dental fillings in Gettysburg, PA. Request an appointment with Dr. Tempel online. You can also call Gettysburg Smiles today at (717) 853-1552.