Dental Fillings
We provide efficient dental filling services at Smile By The Station Dentistry to repair minor enamel damage caused by decay or wear. Our team uses tooth-colored composite resin to restore damaged teeth’ shape and function, ensuring a natural-looking and durable solution.
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Benefits of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings offer several advantages for your oral health:
- Halts the progression of tooth decay
- Restores tooth structure and function
- Blends seamlessly with your natural teeth
- Prevents further damage to the affected tooth
- Improves overall oral hygiene
Why Choose Us
Modern Materials
We use high-quality, tooth-colored composite for natural-looking results.
Gentle Techniques
Our approach ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.
Preventive Focus
We address current issues while helping prevent future problems.
Quick Turnaround
Most fillings can be completed in a single appointment.
What To Expect
Examination
We’ll assess the affected tooth and discuss the best treatment approach.
Preparation
We’ll numb the area and remove any decayed tooth material.
Application
We’ll apply the composite resin in layers, shaping it to match your tooth.
Curing
We’ll use a special light to harden the filling material.
Polishing
We’ll smooth and polish the filling for a natural look and feel.
Prep & Aftercare for Dental Fillings
Preparation:
- Brush and floss your teeth before your appointment.
- Inform us of any medications you’re taking or health conditions.
- Eat before your appointment, as you may experience numbness afterward.
Aftercare:
- Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
- Be gentle when brushing around the filled tooth for the first few days.
- Contact us if you experience prolonged sensitivity or discomfort.
FAQs
How long does the procedure take?
Most filling procedures take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of decay.
Will it hurt?
We use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. You may feel slight pressure but shouldn’t experience pain.
How long do fillings last?
With proper care, composite fillings typically last 5-7 years but can last longer with excellent oral hygiene.
Smile By The Station Dentistry is dedicated to providing top-quality dental filling services to restore your smile and maintain oral health. Our experienced team ensures each filling is precisely placed for optimal function and aesthetics.
Dental fillings provide a quick and convenient way to repair damaged or decaying teeth. At Smile By the Station Dentistry in Seattle, Washington, cosmetic and family dentist Ok Kyu Lee, DDS, and the team use tooth-colored fillings to repair and restore permanent teeth. Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a dental filling consultation, or book your appointment online.
Dental Fillings Q&A
Are dental fillings the same thing as dental crowns?
Dental fillings and dental crowns both repair damaged and decaying teeth, but they aren’t the same thing:
Dental fillings
Fillings are dental restorations made of porcelain, composite resin, or metal amalgam. They repair minor enamel damage caused by decay or general wear-and-tear. Fillings are applied to a tooth’s chewing surface. Once the filling material dries, it restores your tooth to its near-original shape and size.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are synthetic caps made of porcelain or ceramic. They repair damaged or decaying molars (the teeth at the back of your mouth). Your Smile By the Station Dentistry provider might recommend a crown if you have a large cavity or a severely damaged tooth.
What does getting fillings involve?
Getting a dental filling takes 30-60 minutes on average.
First, your Smile By the Station Dentistry provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, they use a drill or a handheld laser to remove the decaying area of tooth enamel.
After removing the damaged tooth enamel, your provider cleans your tooth of bacteria and debris. Then, they “fill” the hole in your tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin. They apply the filling one layer at a time, letting the material dry (or “cure”) before adding more.
Once the filling is complete, your provider polishes your tooth and removes any excess material. Last, they rinse your mouth out and provide care instructions.
How do I care for my teeth with fillings?
Dental fillings don’t require special care. To keep your fillings in top shape, brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit Smile By the Station Dentistry every six months for dental cleanings.
Fillings typically last 5-7 years*, but they can last longer. Contact the Smile By the Station Dentistry team if your tooth is extremely sensitive or you notice a crack in your filling. Without treatment, harmful bacteria can infiltrate your tooth and cause an infection.
Are dental fillings covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover fillings, but every policy is different. Call your insurance provider before making an appointment at Smile By the Station Dentistry if you have questions about coverage.
Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to see if you can benefit from a dental filling, or book your appointment online.
*Individual results may vary.
