5 Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

Dental visits cause a lot of stress in most people. One main cause of this stress is the fear of the unknown—you do not know what to expect. At Fox Creek Dental by Espire, we like to help our patients understand what is going on and help ease any fear they are experiencing.

With that goal in mind, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about dental fillings:

1. How Is a Filling Done?

When the dentist discovers a cavity, he will deaden the area with an anesthetic. Once the entire area is numb, he gently scrapes away any bad enamel and uses a drill to get the rest. Then he cleans out the area to make sure it is free of bacteria. If the nerve is exposed, he will put a covering over it so it does not cause pain. The tooth is then filled and coated with a coloring agent that closest resembles your natural tooth color.

2. What Are Fillings Made From?

Fillings come in a wide variety of material: gold, amalgam silver, tooth-colored composites, and glass are among the most common.

3. Will My Insurance Cover the Filling?

Most insurance plans will cover the least expensive choice of fillings. It depends on your particular insurance provider whether they cover full or part of the payment. Most will cover a part of the payment. Your dentist should be able to help you find out.

4. How Long Do Fillings Last?

If cared for properly, a typical filling will last 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced.

5. Will I Be in Pain Afterward?

Normally, your tooth will remain sensitive to heat and cold for about 2 days after the filling. This pain is normally very mild. You should feel no pain and be back to normal in three days.