To treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decay was. Fillings are also used to repair cracked, broken or injured teeth and teeth that have been worn down from nail-biting, tooth grinding or other misuse.
Teeth can be filled with white porcelain, silver amalgam or a white glass material called composite resin fillings. Your dentist’s recommendation helps determine the type of filling that will best address your needs. General considerations include the extent and location of the decay, the cost of the filling material, and your insurance coverage.
To maintain your fillings you should follow good oral hygiene practices and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. Additionally, make sure to brush with a toothpaste containing fluoride, and floss at least once daily.
If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked, he or she will take x-rays to assess the situation. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, you feel a sharp edge, you notice a crack in the filling, or a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist for an appointment.
At Elgin Dental Care, we offer several options of affordably priced fillings. Our quality fillings help you prevent more serious dental health issues and painful dental emergencies down the road.
I’ve had a cleaning, exam, crown and filling. Everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Dr Breen and his staff.
New patient review: I believe in the power of reviews when it comes to finding somewhere that you like. Especially medically. I have severe trauma when it comes to going to dentist since I was a chil... Read More
Elgin Dental Care is a wonderful group! They are so kind, patient and caring. I had my first filling in years [and I was a total scaredy cat towards having it done] but the staff was amazing and empat... Read More
It has been a LONG time since I went for check up, I was quite nervous, but from my cleaning which was pain free because my hygienist used topical ointment through to my fillings, which also was pain... Read More
Had a fantastic and easy dental visit with Dr. Shanice and her hygienist Danielle. Both are gentle and thorough with the care they provide. I truly felt like I mattered to them and was not just a "n... Read More
I’ve had a cleaning, exam, crown and filling. Everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Dr Breen and his staff.
New patient review: I believe in the power of reviews when it comes to finding somewhere that you like. Especially medically. I have severe trauma when it comes to going to dentist since I was a child. In other offices as a child I would have dentist butcher my teeth for a small cavity causing a huge filling. I have had hygienist when doing the bite wings to get X-rays, they would frustrated as I am physically crying because it hurts and they will jam them farther in my mouth and rotate cutting my mouth. Plus I have 25 years of an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder that caused significant vitamin deficiency so that doesn’t help as every time I see a dentist I always have a cavity. My old dentist who I traveled a hour to see retired, so I was forced to find a new dentist. I didn’t take the task lightly and really dug around. Found google reviews, found all recommendations on elgins Facebook page, and asked others. So then I checked my insurance website and it said Elgin Dental Care takes my insurance. When I called to make an appointment, I was greeted with such kindness and helpfulness. Checked to make sure my insurance would be accepted and she called me back. Made an appointment rather quickly. I needed the regular cleaning, X-rays but more importantly I had a tooth causing pain. So because of how I was greeted on the phone I was hoping it would transfer when seeing the dentist and everyone else. I arrived at my appointment 5 mins before my scheduled time. Waited 10 mins and then I was seen. I explained how nervous I am and some of my trauma. And they were a bit speechless that, that has occurred. She was sooooo sweet. And explained we were focusing on the pain today and then another visit will have to be for the X-rays and cleaning. She got a few X-rays to find out the problem and the doctor came in to explain. I had an older filling on a molar and it appears to have fractured. So it needs a crown. I kind of expected it as 3 dentist’s ago butchered the rather small cavity and filled it in rather largely. My last dentist redid the filling roughly 3 years ago but explained he wasn’t sure how long it would hold. And here we are. The doctor explained that where I was feeling pain wasn’t where the fracture and decay was. But there was decay in the fracture that did go deep. He put a barrier in and hopefully can save my roots. Fingers crossed he can and I won’t need a root canal. I liked that after we discussed everything, then the one I made the appointment with came in the room to breakdown the cost of everything. She explained it. Instead of me heading out and talking about money at the front desk, she came to me which I thought was very respectful. I was able to pay half up front and can pay the other half when I come back for the permanent crown. So we went ahead with putting in a temp. I was able to get the process rolling immediately which I appreciate. I will edit once I get the permanent crown in to discuss how it fits and the process. And how having a temp in will go for the next 2-3 weeks. But I do recommend the office for kindness. People who have anxiety and real trauma from other facilities. And I felt absolutely no pain outside of the small part of the initial shot to numb my mouth. He stopped consistently to ask if I was okay and comfortable. He explained everything which I appreciate. And I absolutely loved how he talked to his colleagues. He talked with kindness and respect. I’ve seen other dentist yell and be rude to their colleagues. But not at this place. He says please and thank you. Talks calmly.
Elgin Dental Care is a wonderful group! They are so kind, patient and caring. I had my first filling in years [and I was a total scaredy cat towards having it done] but the staff was amazing and empathetic, and the procedure was virtually painless! [Who has ever said that before?] Also, for mom's out there; I have two small kids [2 & 3] and they handled them seamlessly with kids' shows and coloring pictures that the staff had taken the time to print out, which was extremely helpful and allowed me to be able to have this routine maintenance done. Highly recommend.
It has been a LONG time since I went for check up, I was quite nervous, but from my cleaning which was pain free because my hygienist used topical ointment through to my fillings, which also was pain free I had nothing to fear... by far THE BEST from front desk on.. very pleased...for sure I'll be coming back
Had a fantastic and easy dental visit with Dr. Shanice and her hygienist Danielle. Both are gentle and thorough with the care they provide. I truly felt like I mattered to them and was not just a "number". Dr. Shanice was even able to do a filling on me the same day as my cleaning, knowing I drive farther. Thanks Elgin Dental care for a great experience