Dental Fillings in Nashua, NH

image of woman suffering from dental cavity

Even if you are meticulous with your dental hygiene and brush and floss on a regular basis, you will almost certainly get at least one cavity during your lifetime.

In the past, amalgam fillings were the preferred method for filling in decayed areas on a tooth. Amalgam fillings, which were made up of a variety of metals, did the job of stopping decay from progressing, but they were not particularly subtle. In the mouth, their dark gray color was fairly obvious.

In almost all cases, composite tooth-colored fillings replace amalgam fillings. These filings are constructed of small glass or quartz particles that are designed to match the color of the tooth they are filling.

Call or visit Pearl Dental Associates if you suspect you have a cavity. Our dentists can provide you with further information on dental fillings in Nashua, NH.

Why Do We Prefer Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are good for cavities that arise closer to the front of the mouth because of their visual value. They are color-matched to your natural teeth and blend in perfectly.

The composite material is quite versatile, and it can also be used to fix dental cracks and chips.

White fillings are popular since they are naturally tooth-colored and blend in with the rest of your teeth. 

Composite fillings can now almost match the color of your other teeth, resulting in a more natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

Besides aesthetics, white fillings will help offer support for teeth suffering from crookedness and decay. When a problem arises where the tooth is in poor condition, composite fillings will allow less of the original tooth to be used to complete the filling.

Composite fillings have a number of benefits in addition to aesthetics:

  • Before the filling is placed, less preparation of the decayed tooth is required, resulting in a faster operation and the preservation of more of your natural tooth structure.
  • Because the composite material is less susceptible to contraction and expansion from hot and cold liquids, there is a lower risk of fracture.
  • Composite fillings are durable because they adhere to the tooth structure and provide additional support.

Dental Fillings FAQ

How do you care for tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings don't require any extra attention. After the resin composite has been used to fill your decayed tooth, you can just brush and floss the region as usual. Make an appointment with your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings; x-rays should be done once a year.

After receiving their new composite filling, some patients suffer sensitivity in the filling area. This is very natural and generally always goes away after a short period of time. Using a desensitizing toothpaste until the sensitivity has gone away can help some patients. If hot or cold liquids are causing the area to be sensitive, we also recommend avoiding them for the time being.

Should I get my silver fillings replaced?

The most popular type of filling is silver, which is also the most cost-effective for the patient. In most cases, they are acceptable to leave indefinitely or at least until they get cracked or damaged, which can sadly occur with time. At that point, the idea is to replace them with composite fillings, which are more durable and last much longer.

Is it true that teeth with tooth-colored fillings are more sensitive?

No sensitivity is caused by the composite material used in tooth-colored resin. You can still feel sensations to a degree (for example, hot or cold liquids), but composite fillings generally do not increase sensitivity.

Will my teeth be out of commission when I get a composite filling?

The amount of time it takes to recover from dental fillings is determined by the size of the cavity. 

After the surgery, you should be able to eat without difficulty, though it's recommended that you wait a few hours to allow the anesthesia to wear off. 

This can result in temporary pain, although each situation is different. Dental filling aftercare and what to be cautious of following a filling surgery will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Give us a call if you're having dental pain that could be caused by a cavity. Our dentists will perform a comprehensive examination to identify if you have a cavity that requires filling. You can see us in an emergency as an on-call dental clinic, but you can also make an appointment for regular and preventive dentistry.

Contact Us

To get in touch with us, give us a call at
(603) 883-6010

76 Northeastern Blvd,
Ste 35A Nashua, NH 03062

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