1. How do I know if I need a filling?

You may need a filling if you have a cavity (a visible hole in your tooth) or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Your dentist can confirm the need during an exam and with X-rays.

2. What types of materials are used for fillings?

Fillings can be made from tooth-colored resin, ceramic, metal, or glass-based materials. Each type is chosen based on durability, location in the mouth, and your cosmetic preference.

3. How long does the filling procedure take?

Most fillings take about 20 to 60 minutes per tooth. The time depends on the size of the cavity and whether multiple steps are required to prepare and restore the tooth.

4. Can I eat right after a filling?

After the numbness wears off, you can usually eat. Start with softer foods and avoid very hard or sticky items for a short period to prevent damage to the new filling.

5. How should I care for my filled tooth?

Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid chewing hard foods on the filled tooth for the first day. Regular dental visits help ensure your filling stays intact and your teeth remain healthy.

6. How long do fillings last?

Fillings can last several years, depending on the material, your bite, and oral hygiene habits. Regular dental check-ups help extend their lifespan.

Dental Fillings

Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, are most often made of silver amalgam. The strength and durability of this traditional dental material makes it useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, often in the back of the mouth. When considering dental fillings Green Bay residents can rely on this robust option for long-lasting dental repairs. Visit our dental office for expert care and personalized treatment plans.

Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

What’s right for me?

Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including:

The components used in the filling material
The amount of tooth structure remaining
Where and how the filling is placed
The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth

Before your treatment begins, your doctor 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 and indirect.

Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist in Green Bay prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.
Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary covering over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.

Dental Fillings

What’s right for me?

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