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Fight Back against tooth decay
Fillings in Downtown Seattle
If you have a toothache or think you may have a cavity, a filling from Dr. Song or Dr. Guerrero from Seattle Dental Co. is the best way to keep your smile healthy and prevent further complications, like an infected tooth. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment!
What is a Dental Filling?
Understanding the Basics
Dental fillings are the simplest and most effective way to restore teeth that have been affected by tooth decay (cavities). The infected, weak, decayed enamel is first removed with a dental drill.
Then, Dr. Song or Dr. Guerrero will use a composite or metal amalgam material to fill the cavity and restore the shape of the tooth. This prevents further decay and complications and also restores the shape and appearance of your tooth.
Do you need a filling?
Recognizing the Signs of Cavities
Wondering if you may have a cavity that requires a filling? The most common symptom of a cavity is a toothache. A deep cavity can cause the tooth to ache, and also become more sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure when chewing. If you notice this, you should get help right away. Your cavity may be deep enough that it could cause an infection. If you don’t get treatment in time, you may need a root canal.
It is also important to look for cosmetic signs of a cavity. If you spot any dark or discolored (brown/black) spots on your teeth, or you can actually see a small hole in the tooth, you are likely suffering from tooth decay and should get help as soon as possible.
What to Expect
From the Filling Process
First, Dr. Guerrero or Dr. Song will clean the treatment area, and numb your mouth. You can also be sedated during this process if you would like. They will begin by trimming away the decayed and damaged enamel with a dental drill. We use the latest techniques to preserve as much of your enamel as possible during this process.
Next, your tooth will be cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria. Once it’s clean and has been prepared properly, Dr. Song or Dr. Guerrero will apply a metal amalgam or composite filling material to the tooth. This material will be shaped and molded to match your tooth and will restore the chewing surface and appearance of your tooth.
Once the filling has been hardened in place, Dr. Song or Dr. Guerrero will check your bite, and make minor adjustments to ensure that your newly-restored tooth fits with the rest of your smile seamlessly. Then, your filled tooth will be cleaned and polished, completing the procedure.
Do Fillings Hurt?
Pain-Free Dentistry
Fillings don’t hurt at all. During the filling treatment process, your mouth will be completely numb, so you won’t feel any discomfort. However, it’s possible that your tooth may feel tender for a few days after your appointment. This is normal and should subside quickly.
In addition, your newly-filled tooth may feel somewhat sensitive to heat and cold for a few weeks. This is also normal, and nothing to be concerned about. However, if this persists for 1-2 months or longer, you may want to come back to our office for a follow-up appointment.
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