At Skylyn Dental Associates, we use composite resin tooth-colored fillings to treat teeth affected with cavities. Our Spartanburg dentists will first administer local anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain and will remove decay from your tooth with a dental drill before refilling the structure of the tooth with a composite resin filling.
Because these fillings match the natural color of your teeth, no one will be able to tell which teeth are filled and which aren’t so you don’t have to worry about outdated silver fillings located at the front of your mouth. We prefer to use composite resin fillings for this cosmetic reason and because they don’t contain mercury.
These filings are also cured with a special blue light that instantly hardens the fillings and allows you to eat right away, unlike amalgam fillings which take 24 hours to harden. You’ll only have to wait for the anesthetic to wear off so you don’t accidentally injure your mouth.
No, dental fillings from our Spartanburg practice are not painful. The only aspect of the procedure that could be painful would be the use of dental drills to remove tooth decay, but we ensure the procedure will be pain-free because we will provide you with a local numbing agent.
While you may be able to feel sensations around the tooth and gums such as pressure, you won’t feel any pain. The local anesthesia will take a few hours to wear off so you mustn’t eat any food or drink hot liquids until your mouth is no longer numb.
If you try to eat while your mouth is numb, you could easily bite down on your tongue or soft tissue without realizing it. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you likely won’t experience significant pain aside from mild sensitivity or soreness which can be relieved with the use of pain relief medication and will dissipate within 1-2 days.
Composite resin fillings are incredibly strong and last for 7-10 years or longer. The best way to increase the longevity of your fillings is to take good care of your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene, attending regular dental visits, and eating a healthy diet.
You should also avoid harmful practices that damage your teeth such as smoking, using your teeth as tools, or biting down or hard foods, such as ice, which can wear down your fillings over time. Coffee, wine, and highly pigmented foods can stain your natural teeth as well as your fillings so you may want to limit your consumption of these staining foods and drinks.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes and floss once every day to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease and keep your fillings in good condition. Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night because excess pressure on your teeth can not only damage your fillings but can also crack your natural teeth.
Dental fillings are the most effective treatment for cavities as once you have developed a cavity it needs to be cut out and the missing structure of the tooth needs to be restored. If you need a filling in Spartanburg, contact us at Skylyn Dental Associates to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Gibas today.
Right after you have your tooth filled at Skylyn Dental Associates, you can go back to eating your normal diet. However, we do recommend that you avoid eating while your mouth is still numb. If you eat while your mouth is numb, you may end up chewing on your cheek, which can be quite painful. Waiting an hour or two to eat your first meal after your filling is a good idea.
There are no real dietary restrictions for eating with a filling, either. The one thing we would recommend avoiding, if possible, is eating really sticky foods. Things like licorice, taffy, gummy bears, and other such gummy foods can stick to your filling and pull on it. Over time, this could loosen the filling or even pull it out of your tooth.
Other than that, you can eat whatever you want. Just remember to keep brushing and flossing, and see Dr. Paul Gibas for six-month preventive visits. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene, you’ll keep your tooth and your new filling in great shape
The short answer is “no.” Technically, you can’t reverse a cavity. This is because the term “cavity” refers to a hole in the tooth that’s caused by tooth decay. Once tooth decay progresses to this stage, the enamel cannot be rebuilt, and the cavity can’t be reversed. You must get a dental filling to restore your tooth and eliminate the cavity.
However, while you can’t reverse a cavity, you can reverse the very first stage of tooth decay. This is sometimes called a “soft spot.” Soft spots on your teeth usually look like small white patches that are brighter than the nearby enamel.
A soft spot indicates that the enamel in the area has begun to break down due to acid. Unlike cavities, though, soft spots are reversible. With good at-home oral hygiene as well as fluoride treatments from Dr. Paul Gibas at Skylyn Dental Associates, you can strengthen your tooth’s enamel and eliminate the soft spot. Dr. Gibas may also recommend dental sealants to help prevent future decay.
Once you’ve filled your cavity, you may be wondering how to keep your teeth healthy, and how to prevent further cavities from affecting your teeth. Luckily for you, it’s pretty simple! First, make sure you’re brushing twice a day for two minutes, and use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps fight back against cavities by rebuilding your enamel.
You should also take a look at your diet and lifestyle. Reducing sugar consumption, and especially the consumption of sugary drinks, can help reduce your risk of developing cavities. Try to eat more whole grains, healthy dairy, lean meats, and fresh fruits and veggies.
Finally, don’t forget about six-month preventive checkups with Dr. Paul Gibas. Six-month teeth cleanings help eliminate plaque and tartar, which can contribute to tooth decay. Your six-month oral exams and yearly x-rays also allow Dr. Gibas and our team to monitor your oral health over time, and catch any potential cavities early.
