Dental fillings are one of the most common general dentistry procedures performed in any dentist’s office, including ours. Fillings serve the important purpose of restoring tooth structure that is damaged or lost due to decay. Dr. Kalochie places metal-free white fillings that are made of composite resin, porcelain ceramic, or zirconia.
She also places inlays or onlays when treating tooth decay or cavities in larger teeth with multiple cusps. A dental filling will promote long-term dental health and help you avoid further infection or damage that could result in tooth loss.
Dental Fillings: what is the process?
A dental filling is often completed in one office visit. Dr. Kalochie will recommend the most suitable material and type of filling placement for the location and severity of your tooth decay or damage.
Dr. Kalochie will begin the process by focusing on your comfort and administering a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. The next step is to remove the infected or damaged tooth structure and clean the area before placing the filling.
Dr. Kalochie uses high-quality materials to place your new filling and will color-match the composite resin or ceramic to match your smile.
When complete, your filling will blend seamlessly and fit comfortably. The material will be cured with a special light and the surface is polished for a smooth texture. Dental fillings will last for many years with good oral hygiene and routine dental care.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are also known as partial crowns. They are highly durable and can withstand strong biting forces. An inlay is placed on the top of the tooth, between the cusps and an onlay will cover a tooth cusp for a larger restoration.
Dr. Kalochie will recommend placing this type of restoration if the cavity is located in a larger back tooth or there is extensive damage to the tooth. This type of dental restoration will require a couple of office visits to place, similar to a dental crown procedure.
The first visit will include removing damaged or infected tooth structure and taking dental impressions. A temporary restoration will be placed to protect the tooth while your onlay or onlay is created in a dental lab. At the follow-up visit, we will place the final inlay or onlay and permanently secure it to the tooth.
Dental Filling FAQs
Is a dental filling painful?
Once the local anesthetic is administered you will feel only mild pressure at times while we prepare the tooth and place the filling. You may experience minor discomfort after this wears off but over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient. Dr. Kalochie is highly skilled and experienced in placing dental fillings, providing exceptional care and results for patients with tooth decay.
Are dental fillings covered by dental insurance?
Every insurance company is different and if you have dental benefits they may cover at least a part of the cost of your dental filling. We will work with you to provide an estimate of your portion of the cost and will submit your insurance for your direct reimbursement.
Can I eat after a dental filling?
One of the benefits of composite and ceramic fillings is that once cured with the special light the surface is hardened. While it is possible to eat right away we may recommend avoiding crunchy or sticky foods or snacks for a few hours until the local anesthetic has worn off.
While numb, it is possible to bite down with greater strength or at an angle that could damage your teeth. This is also recommended to protect the gums and soft tissues that may be irritated after the procedure.