Services

Fillings

Fillings

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities. When we spot a cavity, we remove the decayed and weakened part of the tooth and fill the empty space with a filling. The filling can be made from various materials (see below) and helps to restore the tooth’s shape and function.

Composite (tooth-colored, white fillings): tooth-colored, requires less tooth modification to achieve stability, will be at full strength when you leave your appointment.

Amalgam (silver-colored): silver-colored, requires more tooth modification to get stability, will need 24 hours to achieve full strength.

What to Expect During Your Dental Filling Appointment

1. Numbing: An anesthetic is administered to numb the area around your tooth.

2. Tooth Preparation: Dr. Lewis removes any decay and cleans the cavity.

3. Filling Application: The preparation is filled with the chosen material, which is then shaped to match your tooth.

4. Hardening/Adjusting: The filling is hardened (if needed), and adjustments are made for a comfortable bite.

5. Post-Care Instructions: You will receive care instructions for your new filling and information on what to expect.

FAQs

Have Questions?

This depends on many factors such as oral hygiene, location of the filling, and your eating/grinding habits. Generally, dental fillings are expected to last 5-15 years with proper care. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help extend the life of your fillings.

Getting a filling is generally painless due to numbing of the area with local anesthesia. You might feel mild sensitivity afterward, but this usually goes away in a couple of days.

If you choose to get a composite (white) filling, you can eat as soon as your numbness wears off since the material is hardened during the appointment. If you choose an amalgam (silver) filling, we recommend sticking to softer foods for the first day, as this material can take 24 hours to reach its peak hardness.

Dental fillings are often covered by insurance, but coverage can vary depending on your plan. Many policies cover a portion of the cost for necessary fillings, but coverage for cosmetic fillings may be limited. Check with your insurance provider for details on coverage and any potential costs.

Visit Our

Lake City Dental Office

Phone: (651) 345-4677

Address: 210 N Lakeshore Dr Lake City, MN 55041

Office Hours: M, T, W: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thur: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM