Restorative care

Tooth fillings in Lehi

Does one tooth zing when your kids share a popsicle with you? That twinge is often an early cavity, and a small repair now can spare you a bigger one later.

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What is a dental filling?

Think of a filling as a patch for a tooth. Decay, a chip or a tiny crack leaves a weak spot, and your dentist clears that spot out. The open space is then packed with a material that closes it off, so the tooth keeps its shape and germs stay out.

Most fillings are done in a single appointment
A tooth-colored patch is hard to spot when you smile
The smaller the cavity, the more natural tooth is left

Who may need a filling

A young cavity is often quiet. Plenty of them show up at a checkup before they ever ache. Still, these clues are worth a call:

A quick sting from candy, soda or ice water
A brown or black spot, or a pit your tongue keeps finding
An edge that feels sharp or rough
One spot where food packs in after every meal
An older filling that looks worn, cracked or loose

To judge the depth, your dentist checks the tooth by eye and with x-rays. Shallow and mid-sized cavities can usually be patched. When much of the tooth is gone, a crown tends to hold up better. And if the decay has already reached the nerve, a root canal often comes before any patch.

What to expect

Look and talk. You see the x-ray with your dentist and hear what the plan is. Ask any question before work begins.
Numbing. First, the tooth and the gum beside it are made numb.
Clearing the decay. Only the soft, spoiled part comes out. Sound tooth is left in place.
Filling the space. The material goes in and is sculpted to fit your bite. Tooth-colored resin sets under a blue curing light.
Final polish. You bite on a thin paper so your dentist can find and smooth any spot that sits too high.

Filling materials

Composite resin is popular since it matches the tooth. Glass ionomer, porcelain or gold may be a smarter pick for certain teeth. Your dentist will tell you which one suits that spot, and why.

After your filling

Numbness in the lip, cheek or tongue tends to last a couple of hours. Hold off on lunch until feeling returns, so you do not chew on soft tissue by mistake. A little tenderness to cold drinks or firm bites can linger for several days, and it usually settles down. If your teeth do not meet right, or the ache is still there after a week or two, give us a call and we can smooth it. Brush twice a day, floss once a day and come in for regular cleanings to keep new cavities away.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

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FAQ

Questions about dental fillings

Will a filling hurt?

Your tooth is numb before any work starts, so most people notice vibration and some pushing, not pain. Feeling a bit tender for a few days is normal.

How long does a filling last?

Many last for years. The material, the size of the patch and habits like grinding or crunching ice all play a part. Your dentist looks at each filling during routine visits.

Can a cavity go away on its own?

A very early soft spot in the enamel can sometimes firm up again with fluoride and good habits. Once an actual hole has formed, it stays, and it usually needs a filling.

Should I swap out my old silver fillings?

Not always. If one is cracked, leaking or has new decay at its edge, your dentist may advise a new one. A silver filling in good shape can often stay put. We will walk you through both sides.

Does insurance cover fillings?

Most dental plans pay toward fillings, though some treat tooth-colored material differently. We can look up your plan and tell you what your part may be ahead of time.

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