Cavity Fillings in Sterling, VA | Tooth Filling

Dental Fillings An Overview

Chances are, you will receive a dental filling at some point in your life to maintain your healthy smile. Dental fillings are placed after tooth decay is removed in most cases, but they can also be used to repair tooth damage such as chips or cracks.

What is a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are used as part of a conservative treatment plan aimed at preserving the natural tooth at our Northern Virginia dentist offices. A tooth filling is used when a tooth is weakened because of cracks, chips, breaks, cavities or other reasons. The filling is intended to not just restore strength, but to protect the tooth from future damage or decay.

Ridgetop Dental in Northern Virginia uses resin or high quality ceramic materials to place dental fillings that provide both lasting durability and beautiful aesthetics. We can replace your old, dark fillings with natural looking white fillings for a quick smile makeover. Dr. Datta Malyavantham and his associates will recommend the most appropriate type of filling and discuss options for materials depending on the size and location of the tooth to be treated.

The Importance of Routine Dental Care

When damage to a tooth is too severe, a tooth extraction will need to be done. A root canal will be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or diseased. This is why it is very important to visit our dentist office every six months so that Dr. Datta can look for signs of decay or damage. When discovered in a timely manner, treatment is much easier and less painful. A tooth filling is a procedure geared at protecting the tooth and is much easier than a root canal or tooth extraction.

Inlays & Onlays

For cavities that are located in the larger back teeth or deep in the grooves of the teeth, an inlay or onlay may be recommended for the best result. Inlays and onlays, also known as partial crowns, are indirect restorations made from a high quality ceramic or porcelain. Dr. Datta may use CEREC technology to design and create your inlay or onlay while you wait.

Angie did a great job cleaning my teeth. Literally the best hygienist I have ever have. Both Dr. Diana and Dr. Shaw did my fillings and they are great! Dr. Diana and Lisa also took care of my three year…Molly O.

I haven't gone to the dentist in 10 years because of horrible experiences in the past. When I arrived at Ridgetop dental, immediately I was greeted professionally by Maria and the other receptionist. I was then interviewed by one of…Sara S.

Ridgetop is an awesome dental office! The staff is so friendly and so helpful. Dr. Datta is really nice and a really good dentist. They do a great job with electronic reminders and text alerts, etc... If you desire to…Martin H.

Dental Fillings What to Expect

The dental filling process is relatively simple and completed during a single visit to our Reston or Sterling dentist office. In most cases, a local anesthetic can be used to make you feel comfortable. For patients with dental anxiety, or fears about their dental treatment, we offer sedation dentistry options which can be discussed prior to your procedure.

Once you are relaxed and comfortable, we will remove the decayed or infected tooth structure and gently clean the area before applying the filling material. The filling composite resin or ceramic material will be placed and sculpted into place to create a comfortable and natural biting surface. The final step is to secure the material with a curing light, which will also seal the filling to prevent future infection. Composite resin material is known for its ability to create a tight seal, preventing bacteria from entering the filling area and threatening the integrity of the tooth.

Dental Fillings FAQs

Does getting a tooth filling hurt?: No, getting a tooth filling will actually almost immediately alleviate your toothache! The procedure does not cause any pain. The dentists at Ridgetop Dental are compassionate and gentile with every patient.
When can I use my teeth after a dental filling procedure?: After you get your dental filling placed, you will need to wait until your mouth is no longer numb. This can take up to three hours. After that, you can fully use your teeth and mouth without restrictions.
Can I get multiple dental fillings in a single visit?: Yes, you can get multiple fillings in a single visit. Most dentists will recommend getting tooth cavities filled as soon as possible to avoid further tooth damage. Your Sterling, VA dentist will provide you with a treatment plan with specifics for quick recovery.
How long do dental fillings last?: Your dental filling may last decades if you follow proper daily tooth brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Fillings made of gold or amalgam last longer than composite resin fillings.

Dental Fillings Sterling, VA