Mauldin Dental Fillings | Indigo Dental

What is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is the best way to treat minor-to-moderate tooth decay. In the filling process, Dr. Michael or Dr. Meagan Crosland will remove any decayed material from your cavity, then fill it with a tooth-colored dental resin material.
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This restores the shape, function, and appearance of your tooth. In addition, since the weak enamel will be removed, this prevents the cavity from getting worse, and potentially progressing into an infected tooth that would require treatment with root canal therapy. If you think you have a cavity, contact Indigo Dental right away for treatment.

Did you know…

The typical American has 3 fillings, and 25% of American adults have more than 11 fillings! It’s important to maintain good at-home oral hygiene to reduce your risk of developing cavities.

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what to expect during your dental filling appointment in mauldin

Oral Exam

First, Dr. Michael or Dr. Meagan will need to examine your mouth to determine if you have a cavity and need a filling. Depending on the situation, this may require a separate appointment, or may simply be done right before your filling treatment.

Numbing & Cleaning

To begin the filling process, Dr. Meagan or Dr. Michael will go through the sedation options with you, clean your mouth and numb the treatment area. It may take a few minutes for your mouth to become fully numb.

Tooth preparation & filling placement

Next, your tooth will be trimmed to remove any damaged enamel. Then, a tooth-colored filling material will be matched to your tooth and applied directly to the newly-prepared cavity.

Final bite adjustments

Once your filling has been placed and shaped, Dr. Michael or Dr. Meagan will use a special type of paper to check your bite and ensure the filling fits perfectly. They’ll make any last-minute adjustments, then you’ll be sent home once everything looks perfect.

More about dental fillings:

How long do fillings last?

Most composite (tooth-colored) dental fillings last between 5-8 years. However, it’s definitely possible for your filling to last a lot longer. Some patients keep their fillings for 10 years or longer.
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The most important step to take to keep your filling in good shape is to maintain good at-home oral hygiene. Most commonly, fillings fail prematurely if decay develops around the filling material.
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So make sure that you’re brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and maintaining a healthy diet. You should also see Dr. Michael or Dr. Meagan for an oral exam and teeth cleaning every six months. At your appointment, they’ll examine your filling and your teeth to make sure everything looks good.

does getting a filling hurt?

No. Fillings do not hurt at all. While a dental drill will be used to remove some of your tooth material, only the outer layers of your tooth are removed, and we will use local anesthesia to fully numb the treatment site. You may feel a bit of vibration or pressure, but you won’t feel any pain.
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We also offer sedation dentistry at Indigo Dental. If you’re nervous about an upcoming filling procedure, just get in touch with our team. We can discuss your sedation options and make sure you feel comfortable throughout the filling process in Greenville.