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Dental Fillings Boise, ID

Dental Fillings An Overview

Dental fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures. Tooth decay is a common oral health concern amongst patients of all ages. The dental filling procedure is performed to repair damage caused by tooth decay. Dental fillings are typically performed in mild to moderate cases of tooth decay. For advanced cased of tooth damage, your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay to restore a damaged tooth.

Routine dental exams can help Drs. Garpetti and Hyder catch early cases of tooth decay. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums. Tooth decay may eventually lead to tooth loss, gum disease, or infection. The goal is to prevent tooth decay or to treat it before it progresses into a more complex dental concern.

Visit Us For A Routine Dental Exam

As experienced family dentists, we recommend patients visit our Boise dental office every 6 months for a routine dental exam. If you have not visited the dentist in a while, visit our Boise dental office. We consider our dental office a safe space for patients to receive the dental care they need without judgment. We offer a full range of sedation options for patients with dental fear an anxiety. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365 or request an appointment online.

dental fillings

Dental Fillings What to Expect

Typically, a routine dental filling can be completed in one visit to our Boise, ID dental office. The dental filling procedure is considered a minimally invasive treatment. Traditionally, a dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure optimal comfort. Once numb, your dentist will remove decayed or damaged tissue. The tooth is cleaned and prepared for the placement of the dental filling material.

Once the filling is placed, your dentist uses a special light to cure the filling into place. The tooth is polished to reveal a natural shine.

Laser Dentistry For Dental Fillings

When applicable, we use the Solea dental laser as an alternative to the traditional dental filling procedure. Laser dentistry is a great option for young patients or patients with dental fear and anxiety.

With the Solea dental laser, your dentist can carefully remove decayed or damaged areas of the teeth to prepare it for filling. The Solea dental laser allows dentists to remove decayed tissues without pain, anesthesia, or a dental drill.

Once the tooth is prepared, a dental filling material is injected into the tooth. The material is shaped and sculpted and set using a special blue light.

 

Dental Fillings FAQs

Are dental fillings painful?

Most patients experience little to no pain during a dental filling procedure thanks to local anesthesia. We numb the area to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the treatment. After the procedure, you might feel slight sensitivity or discomfort for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and the symptoms usually go away on their own.

How long do dental fillings last?

The longevity of a filling depends on the material used and how well you care for your teeth. Amalgam fillings can last 10–15 years or more, while composite fillings typically last 5–10 years. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding can help extend the life of your fillings. Eventually, they may need to be replaced due to wear or damage.

Can dental fillings fall out?

Yes, fillings can fall out due to wear, trauma, or decay under the filling. If a filling becomes loose or falls out, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible. Without the filling, the tooth is vulnerable to further damage and pain. Replacing a lost filling promptly helps protect the tooth from infection and more invasive procedures.

Do fillings weaken your tooth?

While removing decay does require taking out some tooth structure, fillings are designed to restore strength and function. Composite fillings bond to the tooth and can help reinforce it. However, repeatedly replacing fillings or treating large cavities can eventually weaken the tooth. In such cases, we may recommend a crown instead.

Can cavities form under a dental filling?

Yes, if the seal between the filling and tooth weakens or if plaque accumulates around the filling, decay can develop underneath. This is called recurrent decay and can compromise the tooth’s integrity. Maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups are crucial to preventing this. If decay under a filling is detected early, it can often be repaired without major treatment.

What happens if I ignore a cavity instead of getting a filling?

Ignoring a cavity allows the decay to progress deeper into the tooth, potentially leading to pain, infection, or even tooth loss. Once decay reaches the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, a root canal may be needed. Early treatment with a filling is much less invasive and less expensive. Prompt care preserves more of your natural tooth and helps you avoid more complex dental procedures.

Why choose LIFESmiles?