Fillings

January 6, 2020
cavity

If you have never had a cavity, congratulations! If you have had one, you are not alone. About 78% of us have had at least one cavity by the time we reach age 17, according to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. Fortunately there's a time-tested treatment for cavities: the dental filling.


Fillings do just what the name implies — seal a small hole in your tooth, i.e., a cavity, caused by decay. This prevents the decay (a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading further into your tooth and, if untreated, continue on to the sensitive inner pulp (nerve) tissue located in the root canal. Should that happen, you would need root canal treatment.


There are a variety of materials used to fill teeth these days, but the process of filling a tooth is similar regardless. The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with x-rays, to determine the extent of the decay. Then the decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually with a handheld instrument such as a dental drill. Of course, your tooth will be anesthetized first, so you won't feel any discomfort. If you normally feel nervous about receiving numbing injections, it's possible that taking an anti-anxiety medication or using nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed. After removing the decay, the remaining tooth structure is roughened or “etched” with a mildly acidic solution; then translucent cement is applied to bond the tooth and the filling material together.

Types of Fillings

There are two broad categories of dental fillings: metal fillings and tooth-colored fillings. Each may offer particular advantages and disadvantages in certain situations.

Metal Fillings

Amalgam — The classic “silver” filling in use for more than a century, dental amalgam is actually an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it stable and safe. These fillings are strong and inexpensive, but also quite noticeable. They also require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types.

Cast Gold — Among the most expensive restorative dental materials, cast gold combines gold with other metals for a very strong, long-lasting filling. It is also highly noticeable, which can be considered a plus or minus.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite — A popular choice for those who don't want their fillings to show, composite is a mixture of plastic and glass, which actually bonds to the rest of the tooth. Composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings, and the newer materials can hold up almost as long. Less drilling of the tooth is necessary when placing composite as compared to amalgam.

Porcelain — These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don't stain as composites can. They are sometimes more expensive than composites because they may require the use of a dental laboratory or specialized computer-generated technology. While considered the most aesthetic filling, they can also, because of their relatively high glass content, be brittle.

Glass Ionomer — Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings have the advantages of blending in pretty well with natural tooth color and releasing small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They generally don't last as long as other restorative materials.

What to Expect After Getting a Filling

The numbness caused by your local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, it's best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal in the first couple of weeks after getting a tooth filled. If it persists beyond that, or you have any actual pain when biting, it could signal that an adjustment to your filling needs to be made. Continue to brush and floss as normal every day, and visit the dental office at least twice per year for your regular checkups and cleanings. And remember, tooth decay is a very preventable disease; with good oral hygiene and professional care, you can make your most recent cavity your last!
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Dr. Haddad

D.M.D

Dr. Haddad’s purpose at Sewell Dental Designs is to empower his patients so they can achieve and maintain excellent dental health and have a smile they are happy to show off. He decided on this path after receiving treatment from a competent and friendly dentist when he was a teen.

Dr. Haddad obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at George Mason University in Virginia and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree (DMD) from Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry.


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Dr. Joanna

D.D.S

Dr. Joanna Haddad was born and raised in Lebanon and now resides in Philadelphia, PA. She speaks Arabic, French, and English fluently. Dr. Joanna earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, graduating with honors in Public Health. During her time in dental school, she was highly involved in various organizations and served as the Chapter President of the American Student Dental Association. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Facial Esthetics and American student dental association.

Dr. Giesberg

D.D.S

Dr. Konstantina S. Giesberg, DDS, is a board-certified dentist anesthesiologist who has earned the privilege of becoming a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (DADBA).Dr. Giesberg obtained, with honors, her degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Buffalo, NY. She then completed her General Practice Residency in Dentistry at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Giesberg then furthered her studies at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center with a Specialty Program in Dental Anesthesiology, involving three years of concentration in deep sedation and general anesthesia.  

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