Maintaining oral health is essential for your overall well-being, and dental fillings play a crucial role in keeping your teeth healthy and functional. If you’re suffering from tooth decay or a damaged tooth, a dental filling may be the best solution to restore your tooth and prevent further complications. At Prevention Dental, Dr. Glen Stephenson and his team provide high-quality dental fillings in Boise to help protect your teeth and maintain your beautiful smile.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dental fillings, including what they are, why you might need one, and what to expect during the procedure.

Explaining Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a common restorative procedure used to repair damaged teeth caused by decay, fractures, or wear. Fillings are designed to fill in the cavity or hole in the tooth, restoring its shape, function, and integrity. This process repairs the damage and prevents further decay or infection from spreading deeper into the tooth.

At Prevention Dental, Dr. Glen Stephenson offers a variety of dental fillings, including amalgam (metal), composite (tooth-colored), gold, and porcelain fillings. Depending on your needs, he’ll recommend the best option for restoring your tooth’s health.

Types of Dental Fillings in Boise

Composite Resin Fillings: 

These are tooth-colored fillings made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They are popular because they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them nearly invisible. Composite fillings are ideal for visible areas of the mouth.

Amalgam Fillings: 

These are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. While not as aesthetically pleasing as composite fillings, amalgam fillings are durable and can last for many years, making them suitable for back teeth where pressure from chewing is greatest.

Gold Fillings: 

Gold fillings are highly durable and can last up to 20 years or more. However, they are more expensive and may not blend in as well with your natural teeth.

Porcelain Fillings (Inlays/Onlays): 

Porcelain fillings are custom-made in a dental lab and then bonded to the tooth. They are stain-resistant, durable, and can be color-matched to your teeth, making them an excellent option for a natural-looking smile.

Reasons You May Need a Dental Filling in Boise

If you’re wondering whether you need a dental filling, there are several reasons why Dr. Stephenson might recommend one. Here are some of the most common causes:

Preventing Infections

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at your tooth enamel, creating small holes or cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can deepen, allowing bacteria to reach the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). Once the pulp is infected, it can lead to a painful toothache, an abscess, or even tooth loss. A filling prevents the cavity from worsening and stops the infection from spreading.

Relieving Discomfort or Pain

Tooth decay can cause sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary foods. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain due to a cavity, a dental filling can help. Filling the hole in the tooth protects the nerves, reducing sensitivity and preventing further pain.

Restoring Function and Appearance

A decayed or damaged tooth can affect your ability to chew properly, and it may also impact the appearance of your smile. A dental filling restores the tooth to its natural function, allowing you to eat comfortably and smile confidently. Tooth-colored fillings, like composite or porcelain, can enhance your smile by blending in with your natural teeth.

Preventing Further Decay

Dental fillings not only repair the immediate damage caused by a cavity but also act as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth again. This helps reduce the risk of further decay and the need for more extensive treatments like root canals or extractions.

What to Expect During the Dental Filling Procedure

The dental filling process is relatively simple and typically completed in one visit. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Prevention Dental for a dental filling in Boise:

Initial Evaluation

Dr. Glen Stephenson will begin by thoroughly examining your teeth to determine if a filling is necessary. He may take X-rays to assess the extent of the decay and ensure no other underlying issues. Based on the evaluation, he’ll recommend the best filling material for your tooth.

Numbing the Area

To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, Dr. Stephenson will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This will prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort.

Removing Decay

Once the area is numb, Dr. Stephenson will remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. This is done using specialized dental tools to carefully clean the cavity and prepare the tooth for the filling.

Placing the Filling

After removing the decay, we apply the filling material to the cavity. If you’re receiving a composite filling, we apply the material in layers and set it with a special curing light. For amalgam, gold, or porcelain fillings, we carefully place the material and shape it to fit the contours of your tooth.

Polishing and Finishing

Once the filling is in place, Dr. Stephenson will polish the tooth to ensure a smooth surface that feels comfortable in your mouth. He’ll also check your bite to ensure the filling doesn’t interfere with how your teeth come together.

Caring for Your Dental Fillings

After we place your filling, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of your restoration. Follow these tips to care for your dental fillings:

• Brush and Floss Daily: Keep your teeth and fillings clean by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. This will help prevent new cavities from forming and protect the area around your fillings.
• Visit the Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the health of your teeth and fillings. Dr. Stephenson will check for any signs of wear or damage during your visits.
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Be cautious when eating hard foods like ice or nuts, as they can cause damage to your fillings. Similarly, sticky foods like caramel can pull at the filling and cause it to loosen.
• Address Sensitivity: It’s common to experience mild sensitivity after a filling, but this should subside within a few days. If sensitivity persists or worsens, contact Prevention Dental for a follow-up appointment.

Dental Fillings in Boise, Idaho

If you have tooth decay or a damaged tooth, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Prevention Dental, Dr. Glen Stephenson and his team provide expert dental fillings in Boise, helping patients restore their smiles and protect their oral health. Whether you need a simple filling or a more complex restoration, you can trust Dr. Stephenson to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

Why Choose Prevention Dental?

Prevention Dental in Boise provides top-notch dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Dr. Glen Stephenson has years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and he works closely with each patient to ensure their comfort and satisfaction. When you choose us for your dental fillings, you can expect:

• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment, we offer a full range of services to meet your dental needs.
• State-of-the-art technology: We use advanced tools and techniques to ensure precise, effective, and comfortable treatments.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: No two patients are the same. We tailor our treatments to your individual needs and preferences.

Get Quality Dental Fillings in Boise Today!

Don’t let tooth decay or damage compromise your smile—contact Prevention Dental in Boise to schedule your dental filling appointment with Dr. Glen Stephenson. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.