Restore and Protect Your Smile
Patients may find it hard to be confident in their smiles if they’ve been affected by cavities or tooth decay. Having teeth in this condition also puts them at a heightened risk of developing gum disease, which comes with a host of oral health problems.
Dental fillings can fill in the space left by cavities and protect your teeth from further damage. At Fredric Gaeta, DDS, we offer two different types of fillings that are sure to get you smiling again. Read on to learn more about our fillings and how they can benefit you.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Also known as tooth-colored fillings, dental fillings can protect a tooth from cavities while restoring its bite surface. They can also help restore your teeth’s look and function, giving you a healthier smile.
Dental fillings are available in a variety of materials, the most popular being silver (amalgam) and composite resin. Dr. Gaeta will help you choose the most effective material for your filling at your initial consultation.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Aside from restoring your smile, dental fillings come with other advantages that make them an appealing option for many patients. Some benefits of dental fillings include:
- Durable and long-lasting: If you practice good oral hygiene, fillings can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced.
- Natural-Looking: Composite and ceramic fillings can be customized to match your tooth’s natural shade for a seamless blend with your smile.
- Strengthens teeth: Fillings can bolster a tooth’s structure, promoting strength and keeping it safe from further decay.
- Prevents infection: Dental fillings protect the tooth from further damage caused by bacteria.
Customized fit: Fillings will be customized to match the shape and size of your tooth for a personalized, comfortable fit.
When Are Dental Fillings Necessary?
Dr. Gaeta will likely recommend dental fillings for patients with:
- Lost or broken fillings
- Cavities
- Dark spots on teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Frequent toothaches
If you have teeth that were badly damaged by cavities, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaeta by contacting our Kailua-Kona office at (808) 329-3314. He’ll be able to determine the best treatment for your unique needs.
Types of Fillings
Before your treatment begins, Dr. Gaeta will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. In preparation for this discussion, it may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings.
Direct Fillings
Direct fillings are placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit to our Kailua-Kona office. This type of filling can be made out of the following materials:
- Silver (amalgam)
- Glass ionomers
- Resin ionomers
- Composite (resin)
At your initial consultation, Dr. Gaeta will help you choose the best material for your filling. He’ll explain the unique advantages of each and determine which will be most effective for you.
Dr. Gaeta prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment. Before preparing the tooth, he’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure your procedure is painless and stress-free.
Indirect Fillings
Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits to our Kailua-Kona office. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers fabricated with:
- Gold
- Base metal alloys
- Ceramic
- Composite resin
Indirect fillings are ideal for patients whose tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown.
During your first visit, Dr. Gaeta prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. He’ll then place a temporary covering over the tooth to protect it until your second visit. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where they’ll create your restoration.
At your second visit, Dr. Gaeta cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed. He’ll administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel any pain while he works.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it depends on the material, dental fillings can last up to 15 years with proper care. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day along with rinsing between meals. It’s also essential to schedule biannual visits to our Kailua-Kona office for routine cleanings and exams. This can help keep your fillings and oral health in great condition.
Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Gaeta will apply a local anesthetic to the targeted tooth and surrounding areas. This will ensure you won’t feel a thing during the process.
You may feel some slight discomfort after the numbness fades, but this pain can be easily managed using a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers.
The exact cost of your treatment depends on several factors, such as how many fillings you received. We suggest contacting your dental insurance provider ahead of time to learn if your plan will cover some or all of the treatment costs.
You can also visit our financing page for more information about our affordable financing options. We also recommend looking into LendingClub, a third-party financing service that offers low payment and no-interest plans to help patients pay for their treatment. Applying online is quick and easy.
Schedule Your Appointment With Dr. Gaeta
When left unattended, teeth affected by cavities become more susceptible to further damage and infection. Dental fillings may be the ideal treatment for you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gaeta, contact our Kailua-Kona office at (808) 329-3314.
You can also fill out an online form and a team member will get back to you shortly. We look forward to helping you on your journey to a healthy smile!