If you develop a cavity, fillings can preserve the integrity of your tooth and prevent further damage. At Nashville Smile Creations, Janet Clodfelter, DDS, and the team offer composite, tooth-colored fillings on-site. If you’re concerned about your risk of tooth decay, schedule an appointment at the Nashville, Tennessee, practice. Book online or call the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative staff today.
Fillings are a common restorative dental procedure used to repair damage to your tooth caused by a cavity. Getting a filling typically takes about an hour and is entirely pain-free.
Fillings are incredibly common. In fact, one study found that the average American has three dental fillings while 25% of the population has 11 fillings or more.
Getting a filling typically takes a single appointment. First, the Nashville Smile Creations team conducts an oral exam and orders X-rays to determine the extent of the decay.
After gathering this information, they administer a local anesthetic and carefully remove the decaying portion of your tooth enamel.
After removing the damaged portion of your tooth, your Nashville Smile Creations provider cleans it with an antiseptic solution and fills the hole. To do this, a thin layer of composite resin is applied to the top of your tooth.
They then point a light at your tooth that hardens the material. Your provider repeats these steps several times until the filling restores your tooth to its near-original size and strength. Once the filling dries, your provider checks your bite and polishes your tooth.
An appointment for a filling typically takes an hour or less. The length of time you spend in the dentist’s chair depends on the severity of the decay, the integrity of your tooth, and your oral health history. In some cases, filling a small cavity takes as little as 20 minutes.
After your filling appointment, it’s normal to experience increased tooth sensitivity and mild discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. To reduce tooth sensitivity, Nashville Smile Creations recommends:
If the pain or sensitivity lasts for more than a few hours, you might also want to take an over-the-counter medication like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).
To determine if fillings are right for you, the Nashville Smile Creations team conducts an oral exam and reviews your oral health history.
If you have an easily treatable minor cavity, you’ll likely qualify. However, if your tooth is severely damaged, they might recommend a crown instead.
Don’t wait for tooth decay to negatively affect your oral health. To learn more about fillings, request a consultation at Nashville Smile Creations. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a caring team member today.
