Cavities affect nearly everyone at some point, but you don’t have to let tooth decay disrupt your daily life or confidence. At Arlington Family Dentistry, we specialize in providing comfortable, efficient dental filling treatments that restore your teeth’s health and appearance. Dr. Dongho Kim, DDS uses advanced materials and gentle techniques to ensure your filling procedure is as pleasant as possible, helping you maintain a strong, beautiful smile for years to come.
What are dental fillings?
A dental filling is a direct restoration that replaces the portion of your tooth lost to decay or damage. The procedure involves removing the compromised tooth structure and filling the resulting space with a durable material that restores the tooth’s integrity. Fillings essentially rebuild your tooth where natural enamel and dentin have been lost.
Different filling materials serve this restorative purpose, each with distinct characteristics. Composite resin offers tooth-colored aesthetics and bonds chemically to your tooth structure, while amalgam provides exceptional strength for heavy chewing forces. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride to help prevent future decay, and ceramic options deliver both durability and natural appearance for visible areas.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Eliminates Pain and Sensitivity
Dental fillings seal exposed nerve pathways that cause sharp pain when you eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet items. The filling material creates a protective layer between your tooth’s sensitive inner structures and external irritants. You can enjoy your favorite beverages and foods again without wincing from unexpected discomfort.
Maintains Proper Oral Hygiene
Cavities create irregular surfaces and crevices where bacteria accumulate, making thorough cleaning nearly impossible with regular brushing and flossing. Fillings smooth out these problem areas and restore your tooth’s natural contours for effective plaque removal. Your daily oral care routine becomes more efficient at preventing future dental issues.
Supports Overall Digestive Health
Untreated cavities can make chewing painful, leading you to favor softer, processed foods that may lack essential nutrients. Dental fillings restore your ability to comfortably bite and chew a variety of healthy foods including fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Proper chewing also aids digestion by breaking down food more effectively before swallowing.
Prevents Tooth Loss and Bone Deterioration
Early intervention with dental fillings stops cavity progression that could eventually require tooth extraction. When you lose teeth, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink from lack of stimulation, potentially affecting your facial structure. Preserving your natural teeth with fillings maintains healthy bone density and facial support.
Reduces Risk of Systemic Health Issues
Untreated dental infections can spread harmful bacteria into your bloodstream, potentially affecting your heart, joints, and other organs. Fillings eliminate the source of infection by removing decay and sealing the tooth against bacterial invasion. This preventive approach supports your overall health beyond just your mouth.
Our Dental Filling Process
- Examination and Diagnosis
- Material Selection
- Procedure Execution
- Post-Treatment Care
- Maintenance Support
Comprehensive Examination and Diagnosis
Dr. Dongho Kim, DDS begins by thoroughly assessing your tooth using advanced diagnostic tools to determine the exact extent of decay or damage. Our detailed evaluation includes digital X-rays and clinical examination to map out the most conservative treatment approach. You’ll receive a clear explanation of our findings and understand exactly what needs to be addressed before we proceed.
Personalized Material Selection and Planning
Based on your tooth’s location, the size of the restoration needed, and your aesthetic preferences, we’ll recommend the most suitable filling material for your situation. We discuss the advantages of each option, from durable amalgam for back teeth to tooth-colored composite for visible areas. Your input helps us create a treatment plan that meets both your functional needs and cosmetic goals.
Comfortable Procedure Execution
Using precise local anesthesia, Dr. Kim ensures you remain completely comfortable while we carefully remove only the decayed portion of your tooth. Our gentle techniques and modern equipment minimize any discomfort during the cleaning and preparation of your tooth. The selected filling material is then skillfully placed and sculpted to recreate your tooth’s natural shape and bite alignment.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Right after your procedure, we provide specific guidance on managing any temporary sensitivity and protecting your new filling. You’ll learn which foods to avoid initially and receive tips for maintaining optimal oral hygiene around your restoration. We ensure you leave our office knowing exactly how to care for your treated tooth during the healing period.
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance Support
We schedule regular check-ups to evaluate how well your filling is performing and address any concerns you might have. These follow-up visits allow us to spot potential issues early and make preventive adjustments when necessary. Our continued support ensures your filling remains functional and comfortable for many years.
Why Choose Our Dental Filling Solutions
Dr. Dongho Kim’s commitment to patient comfort and advanced dental technology sets us apart in providing exceptional dental filling services. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to ensure your filling procedure is efficient, comfortable, and produces long-lasting results. Our experienced team stays current with the latest developments in restorative dentistry to offer you the most effective treatment options available.
We prioritize creating a welcoming environment where you feel relaxed and confident about your dental care. From the moment you enter our office until your treatment is complete, our compassionate staff provides personalized attention and support. We believe that quality dental care should be accessible and comfortable for every patient, which is why we work with various insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make your treatment affordable.
Say Goodbye to Cavity Discomfort Forever!
Stop avoiding your favorite cold drinks or sweet treats because of tooth sensitivity and pain. Dr. Dongho Kim, DDS and our team at Arlington Family Dentistry have perfected gentle filling techniques that keep you comfortable throughout the entire procedure, often completing treatments in under an hour. You’ll leave our office with restored teeth that feel completely natural and function perfectly.
Reserve your consultation slot by calling our front desk team at 360-658-7741, who can answer your questions and find appointment times that work with your busy schedule. Connect with fellow Arlington neighbors on our social media pages where we showcase real patient transformations and share seasonal oral health reminders tailored to our Pacific Northwest community. Your healthiest smile is just one phone call away.
FAQs
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a common restorative procedure that repairs cavities by removing decayed tooth material and replacing it with a durable substance. Your dentist cleans out the damaged area and fills the space with materials like composite resin, amalgam, or ceramic to restore the tooth’s original shape and function. This straightforward treatment prevents further decay and allows you to keep your natural tooth for many years.
How long do dental fillings last?
Most dental fillings last between 5 to 15 years depending on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and the amount of wear they experience daily. Composite fillings typically need replacement after 5-10 years, while amalgam fillings often last 10-15 years with proper care. Regular dental checkups help monitor your fillings and catch any signs of wear or damage before they become problematic.
How long does numbness last after dental filling?
The numbness from local anesthesia usually subsides within 1 to 4 hours after your filling appointment, though this timeframe can vary based on the type and amount of anesthetic used. Most patients find their sensation returns gradually, starting from the areas farthest from the injection site. Avoid eating anything that requires significant chewing until you can feel your tongue and lips normally to prevent accidental injury.
How long after a dental filling can I eat?
You can typically eat soft foods immediately after getting a filling, but it’s wise to wait until the numbness completely wears off before consuming anything substantial. For composite fillings that harden immediately under a special light, normal eating can resume once you regain full sensation in your mouth. If you received an amalgam filling, wait at least 24 hours before chewing on that side to allow the material to fully set and strengthen.
How long does it take to get a dental filling?
A standard dental filling procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish, depending on the size and location of the cavity being treated. Simple, small fillings can often be completed in just 20-30 minutes, while larger restorations or those in hard-to-reach areas may require up to an hour. Most fillings are completed in a single visit, allowing you to return to your normal activities the same day with minimal disruption to your schedule.
