At Smiles by Shields, we are a holistic dentist in Jacksonville, FL, seeking to provide the best cosmetic dental care and overall dental health. We offer many services to help you have the best dental health possible. We provide regular cleanings, checkups, and treatments like fillings and tooth implants.

Dental fillings are a standard service we provide to help repair damaged teeth. If you have a tooth that has been damaged by a cavity or injury, we can help. A dental filling can help repair the damage, prevent the damage from worsening, and improve your smile’s appearance.

Here is more information about our dental services and how we can help you feel better.

Types of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings can be made of various materials to replace unhealthy teeth and support your overall dental health and appearance. We keep your health at the forefront of our decisions and, because of that, do not use amalgam fillings. These fillings are made of mercury and other metals, such as silver, tin, and copper, which can release mercury vapors.

Over time, this can harm your overall health as these chemicals can collect in your body. We make use of dental fillings that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing. With our help, you can have strong teeth with fillings that look natural and are also secure.

Reasons To Have Dental Fillings

The key reason for having dental fillings is tooth decay. Cavities cause long-term damage that requires a filling to correct. An X-ray is often necessary to see the total damage a cavity can cause a tooth. Teeth can be damaged in a variety of ways. Tooth decay is caused by acid created by long-term bacterial buildup.

In addition to cavities, physical injuries can cause a tooth to become damaged, requiring a filling to replace the part of the tooth that has been lost. If a mild injury or decay is caught very early, a filing may not be needed; however, when you become aware there is a cavity, it is often too late to prevent the need for a filing. Filings can also be used to address cracked teeth or those that have been worn down, as this strengthens the damaged tooth and can prevent further damage or health-related issues.

What To Expect After Having a Tooth Filled

After having a tooth filled, there are some aspects of recovery you should know about. You may experience numbness in your mouth for a few hours after the procedure. You’ll likely avoid eating or drinking until your anesthetic wears off. Tingling is also common as you start to regain feeling. A degree of tenderness and tooth sensitivity related to hot and cold is to be expected and typically goes away within a few days.

After having a tooth filled, you can go home and quickly return to normal activities aside from those related to food and beverages, as the lack of feeling in parts of your mouth can make these activities difficult. If symptoms are not going away, or you have any questions, you should reach out as soon as possible. Over the long term, you will not even notice you have a filling as it protects and strengthens your once-damaged tooth. Modern fillings will last several years and require regular upkeep, such as daily care, regular dental checkups, and cleaning.

When You Need A Cosmetic Dentist in Jacksonville for Oral Health

Dr. Tiffany Shields is here to help when you need dental implants. We can help you with your dental needs and provide the expertise and care you need to recover from issues such as cavities, missing teeth, and other dental ailments. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.