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Dental Fillings in Irving

Repairing Cavities in Irving, TX

Cavities are caused when the acidic by-products of bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing damage or decay of the tooth structure. Cavities do not heal themselves and must be treated promptly to prevent serious damage to the tooth.

Early detection of tooth decay is important in order to prevent the decay from reaching the tooth pulp. Once a cavity has progressed deep enough into the tooth structure to cause pain, it can also cause infection and damage to the vital structures inside the tooth. Repair of a cavity that extends into the tooth pulp may require root canal therapy and/or a crown. When treated early, cavities can be repaired with a simple filling.

One of the best ways to detect cavities early is with an annual DIAGNOdent digital screening. Ask for this advanced screening at your next dental check-up at our Irving dental office.

When You Need a Filling

When a tooth has decay, clinically known as dental caries, the only way to stop the progression is to remove the diseased portion of the tooth and “fill” the area with a strong dental restorative. Materials used in fillings may include porcelain, ceramic, and composite (commonly known as a tooth-colored filling).

There are two main types of fillings, and Dr. Dunn will consult with you in detail about which method of repair is the best option for ensuring strength, durability, appearance, and longevity.

Your options include:

  • Direct fillings are placed immediately after the decayed part of the tooth is removed. The most common materials used in this type of filling are glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite. These types of fillings are both strong, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. The materials used mimic the tooth enamel in both appearance and color, making them almost undetectable when you talk, laugh, and smile.
  • Indirect fillings, used when larger areas are affected, include inlays, onlays, and other restorative procedures. They are often made of ceramics or composites. With this type of filling, the tooth is prepared and an impression taken. A temporary restoration is placed and the final restoration is custom designed by the dental laboratory. Once the restoration is ready, the final restoration is installed in the prepared tooth.

Making Your Filling Appointments Comfortable

A dental filling may be one of the simplest of dental treatments, but we understand that many patients experience stress and fear about undergoing dental procedures. In order to ensure your comfort and provide a calm and relaxing experience, Dr. Jerry Dunn combines his expertise in dental anesthetics with variable levels of sedation.

Ask us about your options for sedation dentistry to choose the option that is best for you. Contact the professionals at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my teeth just sensitive, or do I have a cavity?

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If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.

What causes a cavity to develop?

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Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.

Can I still get a cavity if my tooth already has a filling?

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Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.

Is it possible to have more than one filling done at the same visit?

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We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.

Are silver amalgam fillings safe?

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Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.

Does it hurt to get a filling?

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Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.

When can I eat after my visit?

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A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.

How long do dental fillings last?

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The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile we can help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.

How much do fillings cost?

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Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of getting a filling?

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Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.

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Contact Info

1075 Kinwest Parkway
Suite 100
Irving, TX 75063
New Patients: (972) 499-3392
Existing Patients: (972) 506-9688

Office Hours

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed