Emergency Dental Fillings in Philadelphia
You use your mouth every day for talking, eating, and other basic activities, so by now, you know how it’s supposed to feel. When you break a filling, you’ll feel an annoying gap in your teeth, kind of like when you lost a tooth when you were a kid, but there will be plenty more tooth pain, and there won’t be any tooth fairy visiting you to give you money.
Pay a visit to Center City Emergency Dentist (CCED) in Philadelphia for an emergency dental filling. Depending on the severity of the broken filling, you might not be able to eat until you get a replacement, so getting the problem fixed is critical if you want to get your mouth and your life back to normal.
Providing Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings in Philadelphia, PA
At Center City Emergency Dentists (CCED), we’re proud to offer tooth-colored composite fillings in Philadelphia, PA. These modern dental fillings are a game-changer for our patients. Composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. They’re made from a durable composite resin material that bonds directly to your tooth, providing excellent support and protection. Unlike traditional silver fillings, these tooth-colored options preserve more of your natural tooth structure. Many patients prefer a composite resin filling for the way they look and also for their strength and longevity. They’re an exceptional choice for repairing tooth decay and restoring your smile’s natural color and function.
Importance of Repairing Cavities
Addressing cavities fast helps maintain your oral health. When tooth decay goes untreated, it can progress deeper into the tooth, potentially leading to more serious issues like infections or even tooth loss. Dental fillings in Philadelphia, PA, play a vital role in stopping this decay in its tracks.
We can prevent further damage to your natural teeth and help you avoid more extensive (and expensive) dental procedures down the line. Cavities don’t heal on their own. They’re progressive, meaning they’ll grow larger over time if left unchecked. Regular dental check-ups can catch cavities early when they’re easiest to treat with simple fillings. Early intervention with composite resin fillings can save your teeth and your smile.
Replacing Metal Fillings
Many patients are opting to replace their old silver fillings with modern composite resin fillings. There are several compelling reasons for this switch. First and foremost is aesthetics — composite resins match the natural color of your teeth, making them far less noticeable than metallic fillings. This can significantly improve the appearance of your smile, especially for fillings in visible areas.
Beyond looks, composite fillings bond directly to your tooth structure, providing excellent support and requiring less removal of healthy tooth material compared to traditional fillings. They’re also less sensitive to temperature changes, reducing the discomfort some patients experience with metal fillings when consuming hot or cold foods. If you’re considering replacing your old fillings, visit our dental office to discuss your options. We can evaluate your current fillings and help you decide if replacing them with tooth-colored composites is the right choice for your oral health and smile goals.
Another Option for Dental Filling in Philadelphia: Inlay and Overlay Fillings
Inlay and overlay fillings are two sizes of prosthetic (also known as indirect) fillings. They are considered prosthetics because we take an impression of your teeth to create these fillings in a laboratory and then cement them onto your tooth.
Like composite fillings, inlay and overlay fillings adhere well to teeth and have natural tooth color, so you can’t tell where the real tooth ends and the prosthetic begins.
For all your emergency dentistry needs, visit Center City Emergency Dentist of Philadelphia.
Dental Filling FAQs
Why do fillings break?
While modern dental technology has enabled fillings to last much longer than they used to, sometimes for decades, permanence is never a guarantee. Dental fillings gradually lose their strength over time, but the thing that finally breaks them is usually biting down on something hard (like candy or ice) or chewy (like gum or toffee). And while we’d be the last people to ever discourage flossing, even this dental hygiene activity can break fillings.
Can I eat if I’m careful to avoid chewing in the area of my missing filling?
We don’t recommend it. When a dental filling is broken or missing, the root of the tooth is unprotected. By eating, you run the risk of getting food compacted in the gap, which results in extreme pain. Food stuck in the gap will be difficult to brush away, so it will stay there and bring bacteria and acids to the area and inside your teeth. Furthermore, if your filling is broken, eating may detach it entirely, meaning you might accidentally swallow it.
Moral of the story: If you need a filling or other dental procedures and you’re in the Philadelphia area, contact us immediately.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings are durable and can last for many years with proper care. On average, you can expect a composite filling to last between 5 and 7 years, but many can last even longer. To maximize the life of your composite resin fillings, maintain good oral hygiene. This means brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and avoiding excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Dental check-ups are also important. CCED dentists can monitor your fillings and catch any issues early. With the right care, your composite fillings can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
How long does a dental filling appointment usually take?
A typical dental filling appointment at our Philadelphia, PA, office is relatively quick and straightforward. For most patients, the entire process takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number and complexity of the fillings needed. We start by numbing the area to keep you comfortable. Then, we remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean it thoroughly.
The composite resin material is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special light. Once all layers are in place, we shape and polish the filling to match your natural tooth structure. The result is a restored tooth that looks and functions just like your other natural teeth.
