Fillings

When a small cavity is present in a tooth, it can be repaired by removing the weakened tooth structure and replacing it with a filling. Traditionally, the filling material was silver amalgam, a strong, durable, but noncosmetic material. Now, composite restorations, which match the natural color of the tooth, have achieved near the same strength and durability of amalgams. Patients now have a choice of which type of restoration they prefer.

Fillings are performed in a single appointment. After the tooth is sufficiently anesthetized, the weakened tooth stucture that comprises the cavity is removed and replaced with the filling material. The bite is then checked and adjusted to ensure normal function.

Sometimes after a filling is placed, the tooth will feel different or a bit more sensitive, often to temperature or biting, for a few days as the patient adjusts to the new filling. This is normal and usually goes away within a week. If it persists longer than a week without abating, please return to allow Dr. Brazeal to ensure the filling isn’t interfering with the bite.