COMPOSITE FILLINGS

If you have a cavity, broken tooth or deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. kittell to find out if composite fillings are right for you.

During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling.

A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

Aside from taking precautions while your mouth is numb from the anesthetic, you should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment. Soreness at the injection site is also common.

In most cases, sensitivity after a filling is due to the teeth not fitting together correctly when you bite together. This can cause soreness or even hot and cold sensitivity. If pain occurs or sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to Dr. Kittell and a followup exam may be necessary.