Fillings
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Houston and Pearland, TX
Fillings provide an affordable and convenient way to repair minor tooth damage, like chips, cracks, and cavities. At TLN Family Dental, general and cosmetic dentists Tammeka Nickleberry, DDS, Esther Oluwo, DDS, Taylor Provost, DDS, and Precious Ude, DDS, use fillings to improve your oral health and prevent further damage. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Houston or Pearland, Texas, or book online today.
A filling is a dental restoration that repairs decaying or damaged tooth enamel. It’s a quick and painless procedure that usually takes less than an hour.
After your TLN Family Dental provider fills your tooth, the material dries and hardens. Once that happens, you can continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about complications.
At TLN Family Dental, getting a filling takes a single visit.
First, your TLN Family Dental provider reviews your dental records and asks about your symptoms, including if the tooth hurts when you bite or chew and the severity of your pain.
Next, your provider takes a series of digital X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. If your X-rays confirm a cavity, your provider moves forward with treatment.
They numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and use handheld tools to carefully remove the decaying portion of your tooth enamel. Next, your provider rinses your tooth with an antiseptic solution and fills the hole with a material made of composite resin.
Composite resin is the same color as your tooth enamel. After the material hardens and dries, your TLN Family Dental provider checks your bite, removes any excess filling material, and polishes your teeth. They also explain how to care for the filling and reduce the risk of cavities in the future.
After the anesthetic wears off, your tooth might feel a little sensitive or sore. To help speed up the recovery process, TLN Family Dental recommends:
If your symptoms last for more than 48 hours, contact TLN Family Dental immediately, especially if your filling feels off when you’re eating.
The time that fillings last depends on various factors, including the material used and your commitment to good oral hygiene. Fillings made of composite resin typically last between 5 and 15 years*, but it’s possible to increase their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene.
To ensure your filling stays in optimal condition, TLN Family Dental recommends:
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, it’s also a good idea to wear a mouthguard or a nightguard. These custom oral appliances can prevent wear-and-tear damage to fillings and extend their use.
To see if you’re a candidate for fillings, make an appointment at TLN Family Dental by calling the nearest office or booking online today.