Are You a Candidate for Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures performed today, serving as the primary treatment for cavities and minor tooth damage. When decay creates a hole in your tooth enamel, a filling restores the tooth’s structure and function while preventing further deterioration. But how do you know if you’re a candidate for a filling? And what options are available to you?
Dr. Nate Heffelfinger, our restorative dentist in Auburn, IN, helps patients understand their treatment options and make informed decisions about their dental health every day. Serving not only Auburn but also the surrounding communities of DeKalb County, including Garrett, Butler, Waterloo, and Angola, Smiles for Life is committed to providing exceptional dental care to families throughout Northeast Indiana. To determine if you’re a good candidate for dental fillings, contact our Auburn dentist by calling 260-925-4290.
What Patients are Saying about Dental Fillings at Smiles for Life
Patients choose Dr. Heffelfinger for his exceptional skill with dental fillings. His experience in color matching and proper sizing ensures natural-looking results, particularly for visible teeth. Dr. Heffelfinger combines technical precision with a commitment to patient comfort and advanced technology.
As patient Allison C. shares: “I had a very large filling that needed replaced on my front tooth as well as some veneer updates on front teeth. Dr. Heffelfinger and his team did an amazing job of not only matching the color and sizing, but they went out of their way to perfect everything. Their dedication to do things right and ensure that I was comfortable was appreciated. The technology and skill of this team is amazing.”
Dr. Heffelfinger’s dedication to excellence means he takes the time needed to achieve perfect results while ensuring patients feel at ease throughout their treatment.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Filling
Your mouth often gives clear signals when something isn’t right. Here are some common indicators that you might need a dental filling:
Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
Do you experience sharp pain when biting down or when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages? This discomfort could signal a cavity that requires a filling. The pain occurs because decay has damaged your tooth enamel, potentially exposing the sensitive inner layers of your tooth.
Visible Holes or Dark Spots
Sometimes, you can actually see evidence of decay in your mouth. Dark spots or visible holes in your teeth are clear indicators that decay has taken hold and a filling may be necessary to prevent further damage.
Food Getting Trapped
If food consistently gets stuck in a particular spot between your teeth or in a tooth, this could indicate a cavity has formed. These spaces can become breeding grounds for bacteria, accelerating decay.
Rough Edges on Teeth
Run your tongue over your teeth. If you feel a rough or jagged edge on a tooth, this could be a broken filling or a cavity that needs attention.
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Contact our Auburn dental office today by calling 260-925-4290 for immediate care.
Types of Dental Fillings Available at Smiles for Life
When it comes to filling materials, you have several options, each with its own advantages:
Composite Resin Fillings
These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. They bond directly to your tooth structure, providing good durability for small to medium-sized restorations. At Smiles for Life, Dr. Heffelfinger often recommends composite fillings for their aesthetic appeal, especially for visible teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Traditional silver fillings have been used for over a century and are known for their exceptional durability. While less aesthetically pleasing than tooth-colored options, they remain a cost-effective choice for back teeth where strength is paramount.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings offer remarkable longevity—often lasting 20 years or more. Although more expensive than other options, their durability makes them a worthwhile investment for some patients.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These fillings release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. They’re commonly used for fillings below the gum line or for primary teeth.
Factors That Affect Candidacy
Our Auburn dentist will evaluate the following to determine if a dental filling is the best treatment option:
- Extent of Tooth Decay: If the decay is minimal and only affects the outer layers of the tooth, a dental filling is typically sufficient. However, if the decay has progressed extensively and reached the inner layers, other restorative options, like dental crowns or root canal therapy, may be necessary.
- Tooth Stability: Dental fillings require a solid and stable tooth structure to support the filling material. If the tooth is severely weakened or has substantial damage, it may not be able to retain a filling. In such cases, alternative treatments may be recommended.
- Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene practices are essential for the success of dental fillings. Candidates for fillings should be committed to maintaining proper oral care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to further decay and compromise the longevity of the filling.
- Allergies or Sensitivities: Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain filling materials, such as amalgam (silver fillings) or resin-based composite (tooth-colored fillings). If you have known allergies or sensitivities, your dentist will consider alternative filling materials that are suitable for your needs.
- Overall Dental Health: Candidates for dental fillings should have generally good dental health. If you have other oral health issues, such as gum disease or untreated tooth infections, these conditions may need to be addressed before considering fillings.
Maintaining Your Dental Fillings
Even with fillings, ongoing care is essential. Dr. Heffelfinger recommends:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth
- Scheduling regular dental check ups for professional dental cleanings
- Avoiding hard foods that could damage fillings
- Using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night
With proper care, your fillings can last many years before needing replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
While only a dentist can definitively determine if you need a filling, warning signs include tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, visible holes or pits in your teeth, or dark spots on tooth surfaces. Regular dental checkups can catch cavities early, often before symptoms develop.
The filling procedure itself is typically painless, the dentist numbs the area before beginning. You might experience some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, particularly to hot and cold temperatures, but this usually subsides quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used and your oral care habits. On average, amalgam fillings last 10-15 years, composite fillings 5-10 years, and gold fillings 15-20 years. The dentist can help you choose the right material based on your specific needs and circumstances.
If a cavity is very large, a standard filling might not provide adequate support for the remaining tooth structure. In these cases, the dentist might recommend a crown or inlay/onlay instead. During your consultation, the dentist will assess the extent of decay and recommend the most appropriate restoration option.
Taking the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile in Auburn, IN
Dental fillings are important for preserving your natural teeth and preventing minor problems from becoming major dental issues. By addressing cavities promptly, you can avoid more extensive and expensive treatments down the road while maintaining your oral health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that might indicate a cavity, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Dr. Nate Heffelfinger and the team at Smiles for Life in Auburn, IN by calling 260-925-4290 to schedule a comprehensive examination.
Proudly serving Auburn and the surrounding communities of DeKalb, Steuben, and Noble counties, including Garrett, Butler, Waterloo, Angola, Kendallville, and beyond, Smiles for Life is dedicated to helping residents throughout Northeast Indiana achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.