Our dental practice offers several treatments to address your dental concerns about tooth decay and cavities. Dr. Greg Reece can preserve your natural teeth and prevent tooth extraction with dental fillings in Charlotte, NC.
You can get this routine general dentistry procedure in just one visit to our dental office. Dr. Reece will assess your teeth and gums before treatment to ensure fillings are right for you. At Dentistry of the Queen City, we make sure to give personalized treatments for each patients’ individual needs.
Dental Fillings in Charlotte, NC
In most cases, Dr. Reece will decide if you require a dental filling during your routine dental checkup. You should schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you are experiencing tooth pain or a toothache. Dr. Reece will conduct a thorough exam to review your tooth damage first. Then, he will decide if you need a resin or metal filling, an inlay, an onlay, or a dental crown.
At each checkup, Dr. Reece will check the stability of your existing fillings as well. This is because old fillings can chip and crack over time. Eventually, you will need to replace your old fillings. Fortunately, Dr. Reece can repair damage he finds using dental fillings.
Most people need a dental filling because they require cavity treatment. Address your tooth decay as soon as possible before the cavity becomes a larger problem. The size of the cavity will grow larger and larger, and do more damage to your tooth if you ignore it.
We can fix your worn down, chipped, cracked and damaged teeth using dental fillings near you. Dr. Reece will simply use the filling to restore your lost tooth structure and protect your tooth from further damage.
Fillings benefit patients who have damaged or infected teeth. Dental fillings can:
- Seal out tooth decay
- Reinforce a stable bite
- Blend in with the color of natural teeth
- Provide a durable restoration
- Protect the tooth from further damage
- Repair teeth after root canal treatments
Schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team today to get a painless dental filling procedure.
Resin vs. Metal Dental Fillings
Dentists can provide two common types of dental fillings: resin and metal fillings. The type you get will depend on a few factors, but almost anyone qualifies for white resin fillings.
Resin Fillings
Resin or “white” fillings consist of a composite resin compound. They will blend in with your teeth for a more natural look because they are a white color. Our dentist will place the composite resin on your tooth in layers.
Then, he will shape it by hand and cure it using a UV light. The special light hardens and adheres the filling to the tooth. Once permanently set, the composite fillings are as strong as your real tooth enamel.
Resin fillings support the remaining tooth structure and can help prevent your teeth from breaking. This treatment option can also repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth. We will take out a smaller part of your tooth to get it ready for white fillings.
Metal Fillings
Metal fillings or silver amalgam fillings consist of silver, tin, copper, and zinc. These fillings do not blend in with teeth like white ones do, but are highly durable. With the correct dental care, metal fillings often last for up to 15 years. Metal fillings can also stand up to the biting and chewing forces of your jaw.
Inlays and Onlays
Dr. Reece may suggest an inlay or onlay if the affected tooth is large, or the decay is substantial. An inlay fits inside the top edges of the tooth and an onlay extends over the cusps of the treated tooth.
Dentists create inlays and onlays from a single, solid piece of material. However, the process to get an inlay or onlay is similar to getting a dental crown. We will fabricate this type of restoration in a dental lab, so it may take two to three visits to complete the process.
Dental Fillings FAQs
Please read our questions and answers regarding dental fillings. Call our dentist office during regular business hours if you have further questions.
How long do fillings last in your teeth?
Fillings typically last up to 12 years. Fillings are more commonly a composite, rather than metal. This material may be slightly less durable than metal, but it blends in to match the color of your teeth.
Is getting a filling painful?
Fillings can be a painful experience for some patients, while others may feel zero pain at all. Dentists may use a local anesthetic prior to doing a filling, especially if it is a deep cavity. Cavities are only painful if they hit a nerve.
Can mercury fillings cause health problems?
The long-term effects of mercury fillings are definitely a concern. However, not many dentists still provide amalgam fillings that contain mercury. Old amalgam fillings can cause mercury poising, insomnia, nerve damage, respiratory failure, and kidney issues. They can also cause headaches and migraines in patients.
How long does it take to get a dental filling?
In general, it will take Dr. Reece about thirty minutes to an hour to complete a dental filling procedure. However, it also depends on several factors. The size and complexity of the cavity can affect how long it takes him. How well the patient cooperates can also affect the treatment time.
Patients who need multiple fillings may need to schedule several appointments. During your consult, Dr. Reece will create a treatment plan so you will know what to expect.
Will I be able to eat and drink normally after a dental filling treatment?
Wait until the anesthetic wears off completely before you eat food or drink hot liquids. Do this to prevent injuries to your mouth and cracks in your new filling. For example, you might not be able to gauge how hot your drink is and burn your mouth.
You might accidentally bite your tongue, lips, or cheek if you don’t wait until the numbness fully goes away. You can eat and drink normally once your mouth is no longer numb.
How do I care for my tooth after I get a dental filling?
Caring for a tooth with a dental filling is simple. All you need to do is maintain good oral hygiene. You will need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss around each tooth at least once a day. We suggest using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush for the best results.
Regular dental checkups are also important. They allow our dentist to monitor the dental filling and make sure you are in good dental health.
Schedule a dental exam with Dr. Greg Reece today! Call Dentistry of the Queen City for a a dental filling, inlay, or onlay at 704-486-8911 today. Dr. Reece will make sure that you receive a comfortable, high-quality, and comprehensive dental fillings treatment.
If you have any questions about dental fillings or inlays and onlays, let Dr. Reece know at your next appointment. He will take your budget, dental concerns, and oral health into account. Dr. Reece will help you make an informed decision about which solution is the best for you.