At Pier 210 Dental we not only provide optimum dental care for each of our patients, but we also prioritize educating them so that they can be informed about their oral health and make the best decisions possible. If you have been diagnosed as needing a filling or crown, you may be able to have several options. Some of the questions we commonly hear from patients are, “ Why do I need a filling or crown?” and “What is the difference between a filling and crown?” or even, “Can I get a filling instead of a crown?”
We are here to answer those questions and provide the utmost care and professional service to keep you smiling bright each and every day.
When Do You Need a Filling or Crown?
If one or more of your teeth have suffered damage from old restorations or decay, you will need to get it fixed. Fillings or crowns may be necessary to repair the damage done to your teeth to return them to proper form and function. Even if you regularly brush and floss, you may still need to get a filling or crown at some point in your life.
What are Dental Fillings Exactly?
Dental fillings are common procedures in what is called “restorative dentistry” that helps repair your teeth and return them to their normal function and strength. If your teeth have developed decay, worn-down spots due to grinding, clenching, or other habits, like chewing on ice or nail biting, they may become chipped, worn, or sensitive.
When this happens, the decayed, broken or worn tooth must be replaced. Some typical types of fillings include the older style silver amalgam (which we do not use!), porcelain, resin, glass, and the more natural looking tooth-colored composites.
The first possible sign that you may need a cavity is generally pain or sensitivity in your tooth. This is especially prominent when drinking or eating very hot or cold items or things that contain a high level of sugar. This type of sensitive reaction generally means that a cavity is either present or beginning, and going to the dentist as soon as possible is a great way to prevent further damage.
If you ignore the sensitivity, the cavity can get worse to the point that it becomes a larger, more noticeable hole in your tooth, which can then let further bacteria in causing even more damage and pain.
Does a Dental Filling Hurt?
Once you’ve answered the question of, “When do you need a filling?” your next question might be, “Does a dental filling hurt?” At Pier 210 dental your comfort and relaxation is of the highest importance to us, and we make it a priority to always prevent pain and discomfort during your visit. We typically use a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel zero discomfort at all during your filling procedure. The pain and sensitivity that you experience in the time before your filling, when the cavity is fresh, is much more intense than the actual procedure of getting a filling.
How Long Does a Filling Take?
A filling treatment generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour, but if there are multiple cavities involved, it may be a longer appointment. Fillings are typically quite affordable and easy to recover from with no general soreness afterwards. Your teeth may feel a little odd or different after the treatment, but within 24 hours your bite usually feels right back to normal.
Call Our Team at Pier210 Dental Today
If you are experiencing pain, sensitivity, or any discomfort and you suspect a filling might be in order, please call Pier 210 Dental right away so that we can help you get the issue resolved and prevent any further damage from occurring. We encourage you to prepare for your treatment by spending some time in our relaxation room complete with essential oils, massage chairs, and a calming ambience.
Our dentists have many years of experience and look forward to helping you restore your smile! We are located at 635 Mikkelsen Dr. in Auburn, California and always provide the very highest quality dental care to families in Placer County and the Greater Sacramento Area. Browse all of the positive reviews we’ve received from our patients, and feel free to contact us with any questions you have before your appointment. If you would prefer to request an appointment online rather than calling, simply use our convenient appointment request form located here.
