Dental Fillings

You're not alone if you need a dental filling. It turns out that 92% of adults have cavities, and nearly half of all children have decay in their baby teeth. The compassionate dental professionals at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania have years of experience easing toothache pain and restoring healthy teeth with dental fillings. They have 12 offices in Nuremberg, Sullivan Trail Falls, Freeland, Hazleton, Monroe Township, Wilkes-Barre, Shickshinny, and Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call the nearest office today. 

When do I need dental fillings?

Dental fillings fill the area damaged by a cavity. In addition to relieving the pain, dental fillings prevent ongoing decay. They also do the vital job of restoring strength and function to your tooth.

Children need healthy, whole baby teeth, so they also need dental fillings. Some parents figure baby teeth eventually fall out, so they don’t need it filled if their child isn't in pain. 

Baby teeth create a path for permanent teeth and prevent misalignment that leads to crooked teeth and problems like an overbite.

What type of dental filling might I receive?

Your dentist explains the different types of fillings and which one they recommend for your dental needs. Whenever possible, they prefer using composite fillings that match the color of your teeth. However, this type may not be the best choice if you have a large filling.

For a large filling, your dentist may recommend an amalgam filling. Amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals; their components are safe and last longer than composite fillings.

What happens when I get a dental filling?

If you feel anxious when you need dental work, there’s no need to worry. Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania makes sure you stay comfortable by using advanced anesthetics.

The first step uses a drill to eliminate all the decay and shape the area to accommodate the filling. Then your dentist places the filling into the open hole, shaping it to match the normal tooth surface.

In some cases, they may place a protective lining inside the open area before adding the filling. They use a light to harden the material if you get a composite filling.

How do I care for dental fillings?

You can extend the life of your filling with daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental exams. Talk to your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth—tooth grinding places such high pressure on your teeth that your fillings may break or fall out.

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to prevent bacteria buildup around the gumline. This bacteria can easily seep through gums and around fillings and reach the inner pulp.

If you have questions about dental fillings or need to schedule a checkup, call Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania or book an appointment online today.