Dental Fillings: When You Need One & What to Expect

While the thought of getting a filling might make you feel a bit nervous, this routine treatment is essential for restoring teeth damaged by cavities and minor fractures and improving oral health. Thanks to the coverage provided by most dental PPO insurance plans, getting a dental filling is easy and virtually painless. 

Dental fillings are one of the most frequently performed dental procedures in the United States, with tooth decay affecting 90% of adults over 20. Just like fixing a small crack in the wall prevents more significant structural problems, a dental filling protects your tooth from further decay and keeps your smile healthy. Whether you’re about to get your first filling or simply looking to understand the process better, knowing what to expect when you get a dental filling can help turn this potentially stressful dental visit into a pleasant experience. 

Read on to learn more about getting dental fillings and where to find the best dentist in Santa Monica who accepts Delta Dental.

When Do I Need a Dental Filling?

You might need a dental filling when your tooth shows signs of decay or is damaged by an injury. Common warning signs that there is a problem with your tooth include:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Sharp pain when biting down
• Visible dark spots or holes in your tooth 
• Lingering discomfort after consuming sweet foods
• Feeling a rough area with your tongue or dental floss that keeps catching or tearing in a particular spot

While not every sensation means you need a filling, these symptoms warrant at least getting a dental check-up. Your dentist can use special tools and dental X-rays to detect cavities, even in their early stages. Quick action is essential for cavities. Treating a small cavity with a filling is far simpler and less expensive than waiting until the tooth decay spreads, potentially requiring a root canal or dental crown.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Filling 

Getting a dental filling follows a straightforward process designed for your comfort and safety: 

• Getting a filling begins with your dentist conducting a thorough dental exam, which includes taking dental X-rays if needed to assess the full extent of decay.
• Before starting the restorative dental procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. You'll likely feel a slight pinch from the injection of anesthetic, but this ensures you won't experience pain during the treatment.
• Once you're numb, your dentist uses specialized tools, such as a cavity drill or laser, to remove the decayed portion of your tooth and thoroughly clean the area to prevent further decay.
• With the tooth free from decay and cleaned, the dentist will apply your chosen filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam, in layers. 
• The filling material will be carefully shaped to match your natural tooth structure and bite pattern.
• A curing light helps harden composite fillings quickly, while amalgam fillings naturally harden over a short time.
• The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.

While you might feel some pressure during the procedure, the anesthesia ensures you won't feel pain, and you'll be able to return to your normal activities immediately after. However, your mouth may remain numb for a few hours.

Different Types of Dental Fillings: Which One is Right For You 

When choosing a dental filling, you have several material options, each with its advantages and considerations: 

• Traditional amalgam fillings, made from a mixture of metals, including silver and mercury, have been used for over a century due to their exceptional durability and cost-effectiveness. These silver-colored fillings can withstand heavy chewing forces and typically last 15 years or more, making them particularly suitable for back teeth. However, some patients prefer alternatives due to aesthetic concerns and questions about mercury content. 
• Composite resin fillings offer a more natural appearance by matching your tooth color, making them ideal for visible front teeth. While they're more expensive than amalgam and may need replacement after 10 to 12 years, many patients find the aesthetic benefits worth the extra cost. 
• Ceramic fillings, crafted from porcelain, provide another tooth-colored option that resists staining better than composite resin. Though they're the most expensive choice and can be more brittle, their natural appearance and durability make them a popular choice for visible teeth where appearance matters most. 

Ultimately, your dentist will help you choose the best option based on the cavity's location, budget, and personal preferences.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Fillings 

Maintaining your dental fillings is important for their longevity. Thankfully, caring for a filling is relatively easy. In fact, you won’t notice much difference from your typical oral hygiene routine — a few things to keep in mind if you have dental fillings: 

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque while also strengthening your tooth enamel.
• Floss regularly, paying special attention to the areas around your fillings to prevent new decay from forming at the edges.
• Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages, as these habits can damage or loosen fillings.
• Stick to a regular schedule for dental check-ups and dental X-rays.

During your daily oral care routine, watch for warning signs that might indicate a problem, such as new tooth sensitivity, sharp edges, or a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your filling feels loose or rough, contact your dentist promptly. 

Where to Find the Best Dentist for Dental Fillings near Wilshire in Santa Monica

At Wilshire Dental in Santa Monica, Dr. Melanie combines her extensive USC dental education and specialized training in esthetic dentistry with a genuine commitment to conservative, minimally invasive treatment. As a Santa Monica native, she understands the community's needs and delivers personalized care that makes patients feel at home. 

Wilshire Dental stands out for its personalized approach to dental fillings, particularly with composite restorations that perfectly match your natural tooth color. Dr. Melanie's expertise in supra-gingival dentistry and detailed attention to shade matching ensures results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

With membership in prestigious organizations like the ADA and CDA and a warm, knowledgeable team ready to answer your questions, Wilshire Dental offers the perfect blend of professional expertise and comfortable, family-friendly care, making dental visits something to look forward to rather than dread.

Ready to get long-lasting, natural-looking dental fillings from the top-rated dentist in Santa Monica who accepts dental PPO insurance plans?