A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay, cracking, or wear. When bacteria break down the outer surface of a tooth, a cavity forms. If left untreated, that cavity gets deeper, eventually reaching the inner layers of the tooth where nerves and blood vessels live, which is when things start to hurt.
Catching and filling a cavity early is 1 of the most valuable things a routine dental exam does. The longer a cavity goes untreated, the more tooth structure is lost. A filling done today might be a root canal or tooth extraction 6 months from now if ignored.
Most fillings are quick, easy, and far less intimidating than people expect.
Vineland Dental uses tooth-colored composite resin fillings, not silver amalgam. Here's why:
They look natural. Composite is matched to the color of your tooth, so nobody can tell you've had work done.
They preserve more of your natural tooth. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth surface, which means less natural tooth structure needs to be removed.
They don't expand and contract with temperature. Amalgam can cause micro-fractures in teeth over time. Composite doesn't have this issue.
No metal. For patients who prefer to avoid metal in their mouth, composite is the straightforward choice.
Every filling at Vineland Dental is composite. Natural-looking, durable, and done right.
Most filling appointments are done in a single visit and take between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
1. Numbing the area. Before anything starts, Dr. Hinman will apply a numbing gel and then administer a local anesthetic. You won't feel the procedure, just pressure and movement. If needles make you nervous, let us know.
2. Removing the decay. Once you're numb, Dr. Hinman removes the decayed portion of the tooth carefully to preserve as much healthy structure as possible.
3. Preparing the tooth surface. The tooth is cleaned, dried, and conditioned so the composite material bonds properly.
4. Placing the composite. The tooth-colored resin is applied in layers and shaped to match your natural tooth. Each layer is hardened using a special curing light.
5. Polishing and checking your bite. Dr. Hinman checks your bite to make sure everything feels right and polishes the surface. The tooth looks and feels like nothing happened.
You may experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days. This is completely normal. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient.
Avoid very hot or cold food and drink for the first 24 hours. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods until the numbness wears off completely.
Eat normally once the numbness is gone. Brush and floss around the filling as usual. The composite is fully set before you leave the office.
If your bite feels off or sensitivity persists beyond 1 week, give us a call. This is easy to adjust.
Cavities don't always cause pain, especially in the early stages. That's why regular exams are so important. Warning signs to watch for:
If any of these sound familiar, contact us. A quick exam will tell us exactly what's going on.
Fillings are typically covered by most dental insurance plans, though the coverage percentage varies by plan. If you don't have insurance, Vineland Dental has options:
Our front desk will always go over costs with you before we start any treatment. No surprises.
A: The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so you won't feel pain, just pressure and movement. Dr. Hinman is experienced with nervous patients and will always go at a pace you're comfortable with.
A: With proper care, composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years, sometimes longer. Dr. Hinman checks your existing fillings at every routine exam.
A: Wait until the numbness wears off completely before eating, usually 1 to 3 hours, to avoid accidentally biting your cheek. After that, eat normally.
A: Cavities don't heal on their own. Without treatment, the decay spreads deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the nerve, which causes significant pain and may require a root canal or extraction. Treating a cavity early is almost always simpler and less expensive.
A: In many cases, multiple fillings can be done in a single visit, especially if they're on the same side of the mouth. Dr. Hinman will discuss what makes sense at your exam.
A: No. Composite resin is color-matched to your natural tooth shade before it's placed. Once polished, it blends seamlessly. Most patients can't find their own fillings after the appointment.
A: Absolutely. Dental anxiety is more common than most people think. Dr. Hinman and the team are patient, unhurried, and will never pressure you. Just let us know how you're feeling when you arrive.
