Dental Fillings in Dumfries, VA & Washington DC
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dental procedures that will correct a range of cosmetic issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Dental Fillings for Tooth Restoration
Cavities develop as a result of tooth decay, which may occur for a variety of reasons, including gum disease or a diet high in carb or sugary foods. During your examination, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if any cavities are present. If cavities are found, it will be necessary to fill the hole with a dental filling, which may be made from a variety of materials, such as composite resin, porcelain, gold, or silver alloy.
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures, from common treatments like dental fillings or root canal therapy, cosmetic treatments like veneers or teeth whitening, restorative procedures like dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth, and emergency care. To ensure you are comfortable and have as enjoyable an experience as possible, we also offer sedation dentistry so you can remain calm and receive the care you need.
If you are interested in learning more about the quality services we offer, or to schedule an appointment for a dental filling, contact our office today.
Contact Dental Serenity
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures that will correct a range of oral health issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dental filling types fall into one of two categories: amalgam fillings, which are made of metals that have been bound together and composite fillings, which are made of glass and plastic, which creates a more natural look. Within these categories, there are several different filling types, all of which have slight differences in terms of cost, durability, and aesthetic appearance, which are detailed below.
Tooth-colored composite
Material type: Plastic and fine glass particles
Benefits:
- Matches your natural teeth
- Bonds directly to your tooth
- Can also be used to repair worn, broken, or chipped teeth
- Less natural tooth needs to be removed
Drawbacks:
- Less durable than other filling types
- Requires multiple visits
- Increased risk of chipping
- Expensive
Glass Ionomer
Material type: Acrylic and glass
Benefits:
- Effective for young children and fillings below the gum line
- Releases fluoride which protects against decay
Drawbacks:
- Prone to fracture
- Susceptible to wear
- Shorter lifespan compared to other filling types
Ceramic
Material type: Porcelain
Benefits:
- Matches your natural teeth
- Resistant to staining
- Long lasting
Drawbacks:
- Less durable than other filling types
- Expensive
Silver (amalgam)
Material type: Silver, copper, mercury, zinc, and tin
Benefits:
- Strong
- Durable
- Affordable
- Only requires one visit
Drawbacks:
- Requires removing healthy parts of the tooth
- Looks unnatural
- Small risk of allergic reaction
- Can cause discoloration
- Increased risk of cracks and fractures
Gold
Material type: Gold and other metals
Benefits:
- Strong
- Durable
- Stylish
Drawbacks:
- Multiple visits required
- Risk of experiencing galvanic shock
- More expensive than other filling options
Procedural Steps of Dental Fillings
The dental filling process begins with an initial consultation to evaluate your overall oral health and determine if there are any other underlying issues that need to be addressed. If necessary, dental X-rays or other diagnostic exams will be taken to assist with the diagnosis and inform your treatment plan. This appointment will also include a review of your medical history to assess risks and avoid unnecessary complications.
If it is determined that you need a dental filling, a follow-up examination will be scheduled. Prior to performing the procedure, we will explain what you can expect during the procedure and answer any questions you might have. If requested or necessary, we will also administer dental sedation (nitrous oxide) to help reduce any anxiety or concern you may have and a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on. Once this has taken effect, the procedure begins by numbing the area where the filling is going to be placed. Next, we will prepare the area for the filling by cleaning the tooth and removing decay. Once this is complete, the hole will be filled with a dental filling material of your choice. This procedure can typically be completed in under one hour.
Dental Filling Aftercare
Following your dental filling appointment, the best thing you can do to preserve the integrity of your filling and avoid needing similar procedures in the future is to follow these best practices:
- Practice good daily oral hygiene habits: Enjoying good oral health requires a personal commitment on your part to consistently brush your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly. If you struggle with flossing on a regular basis, you may want to consider floss picks or interdental brushes.
- Eat healthy: Avoiding unhealthy foods and beverages that are high in starch and sugar is one of the best ways to avoid developing cavities. It is also important to swish your mouth with water after eating a meal or drinking a sugary beverage to remove food remnants that can cause decay if not removed. Using a straw while drinking sugary beverages also reduces the amount of sugar that is exposed to your teeth.
- Dental cleanings/checkups: To prevent cavities, gum disease, or other issues, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup at least every six months. In addition to performing a professional cleaning, these checkups also provide an opportunity to identify and begin treating issues before they become worse.
Dentistry with a Gentle Touch
At Dental Serenity™, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause concern and anxiety, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that your experience is an enjoyable one. To help provide you with as enjoyable an experience as possible, our office is fitted with free high-speed wireless internet, flat screen TVs in all of our treatment rooms, soothing music to put you in a relaxed state, aromatherapy, and neck massagers in our waiting room. We are also committed to providing you with services when you need them most, which is why we offer early morning and late evening appointments throughout the week.
To schedule an appointment for dental fillings, contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the best dental care possible delivered in a comfortable and calm environment by professionals who are committed to ensuring that you receive the personalized care you deserve!