One of the most common dental procedures is a dental filling. At Levesque Dentistry, we offer a variety of mercury-free options, including tooth bonding, inlays/onlays, and precious metal fillings (gold).
In addition, we can replace old, dark fillings to improve both the health and appearance of your smile. The material your dentist recommends for a dental filling will depend on the location of the tooth and the severity of the decay and damage.
Tooth Bonding: White Fillings in Nashua, NH
Tooth bonding is a relatively simple procedure to fill a tooth cavity. Your dentist can also use bonding to cover stained teeth and repair a chipped tooth. First, the dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin and mold it over the tooth for a virtually invisible restoration.
After the dentist applies the resin, they will use an ultraviolet light to harden the resin. Then, the dentist will polish the restoration to give you a fresh new smile.
Tooth bonding is semi-permanent. With proper care and maintenance, tooth bonding should last for ten or more years. This is one of the safest, quickest, and most affordable treatment options.
Inlays & Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are conservative, natural-looking tooth restorations. Dentists use inlays and onlays to restore tooth cavities or repair broken and worn teeth. We sometimes refer to inlays and onlays as porcelain fillings, white fillings, or partial crowns.
In our Nashua dental office, we use CEREC technology to create porcelain (white) inlays and onlays. These provide a smooth, tooth-colored replacement of tooth material lost to cavities.
CEREC inlays are designed and custom fabricated using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology to perfectly match your tooth and bring it back to its natural strength.
The CEREC inlay is superior to amalgam or composite fillings because of its superior esthetics and strength. With enamel-like material, they look and feel like your real teeth and are longer lasting.
As with most CEREC restorations, your inlay can be completed in just one office visit.
This means you can avoid the messy impression trays, temporary restorations, and return appointments associated with lab-fabricated ceramic restorations.
The Dental Filling Process
We offer porcelain and metal-free fillings for natural-looking results. The dental filling procedure is performed during a single visit to our office unless a larger filling is required and an inlay or onlay is placed. For your comfort, a local anesthetic will be administered before we begin.
The first step is to gently remove all decayed material or tooth surface and to thoroughly clean the area to be filled.
Using a tooth-colored bio-compatible composite, your dentist will fill the area and sculpt the material for a natural fit and comfortable bite.
Once the filling is in place, we will permanently seal it with a special light and polish the surface.
Dental Filling FAQs
How long does it take for teeth fillings to settle?
On average it takes about 24 hours for teeth fillings to fully settle. During this period it is important to be careful while eating and chewing.
What not to do after dental fillings?
After dental fillings patients are advised to avoid hard or sticky foods for at least 24 hours. It is also advised to avoid hot or cold drinks after a filling because extreme temperature changes can cause sensitivity.
How many fillings can you get at once?
There is no limit to how many fillings you can get in one sitting, however it is advised to get on more than two or three at one time. Patients who need lots of fillings can schedule multiple appointments. This maximizes patient comfort.
How many times can a dentist replace a tooth filling?
Your dentist can replace a filling many number of times. When the hole in the tooth filling gets too big, we will typically turn to other restoration options. For example, we may recommend a dental crown, inlay or onlay.
Do fillings weaken teeth?
You should brush and floss regularly in order to keep your dental fillings strong and secure to extend its lifespan as much as possible. This will also prevent more cavities from developing.
What are the side effects of fillings?
After fillings patients may feel slight sensitivity and tenderness in their mouth, but it should go away after a day or two. Patients may feel increased tenderness when brushing or flossing their teeth after a filling.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Not sure if you need a tooth filling, dental bonding, inlay, or dental onlay? Schedule a routine dental exam today and discuss your options with your dentist in Nashua, NH.
We are your trusted family dentistry for all ages. Give us a call at (802) 424-8517, or request an appointment online today.