Dental Fillings in Clearwater
One of the most common restorative dentistry procedures, dental fillings can repair decayed teeth that have been damaged by cavities or other oral health issues. Our Beyond Dentistry Clearwater team applies dental fillings for therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling (or tooth filling) is a restorative treatment used for damaged and decayed teeth. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, and your overall oral health, different materials can be used to create fillings. For instance, composite fillings (or tooth-colored fillings) look more natural because our Clearwater dentists match the composite resin to your natural enamel.
When are dental fillings necessary?
Dental fillings are ideal for patients with minor cavities, damage, or flaws in their teeth.
Our Dental Fillings Procedure Process: What to Expect
How long do fillings take? Typically, we can complete this procedure in a single session (in 30-60 minutes) at our near Indian Shores, FL, dental office:
- Comprehensive Exam and Personalized Treatment Plan: During a dental exam, Dr. Alqasemi or Dr. Adham will use a tiny, hand-held mirror to look at the surfaces of each tooth. If they notice abnormal signs (like sensitivity or discoloration), they will take digital x-rays to accurately determine how extensive the dental damage is. Then, our dental team will discuss the extent of the damage, offer appropriate treatment options, and discuss the different types of dental fillings.
- Preliminary Procedures and Digital Impressions: If necessary, one of our dentists will provide local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth, remove decayed dental tissue to prepare the tooth for the filling, and apply an acidic gel to etch the tooth.
- Dental Filling Application: Next, the dentist layers on the desired filling material and allows it to cure. Typically, they will also polish the filled tooth to smooth down any sharp edges.
Have questions about dental fillings in Clearwater, FL?
Check out these frequently asked questions about composite dental fillings in Indian Shores, FL, Clearwater, or surrounding areas, or call us at (727) 304-3156 to speak with our team.
Essentially, cavities are holes in the enamel created by harmful bacteria and plaque. So, if you think that you may have a cavity, getting it checked out as soon as possible can help to prevent the decay from spreading.
With prompt treatment (like a filling dental procedure), most of the dental structure can remain protected. When left untreated, cavities can grow, and more invasive procedures like root canal therapy, or even extraction, may be required to restore your oral well-being.
The total cost of dental fillings is based on your case and the materials you choose. By illustration, the complexity of your case might warrant the need for a dental exam, digital x-rays, sedation dentistry, and other added costs. Additionally, stronger types of dental fillings tend to be pricier. Still, our Beyond Dentistry Clearwater team can outline total dental filling costs and what insurance should cover at your initial consultation.
There are pros and cons to each type of dental filling, and the most suitable type of dental filling is based on your allergies, the extent of the repair, the location of the cavity, and your budget. For example, amalgam fillings are more affordable, but they are highly visible—which is not ideal for front tooth fillings.
Professional Cleaning
To start things off, we’ll perform a complete cleaning of your teeth and gums, using special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that may have built up along the gumline. Essential aspects of your cleaning will include thorough flossing between your teeth in all those hard-to-reach places, and scraping off plaque that has accumulated along the gum line. To finish the cleaning process, we’ll polish your teeth, leaving you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to smile.
Any Necessary X-Rays
If you’re new to the office or haven’t had dental x-rays in a while, your Clearwater dentist may recommend that you take some during your preventive care appointment. Dental x-rays let us see what’s going on beneath the surface of your smile, giving us the ability to find issues that may not be visible otherwise. With x-rays, we’re able to make more accurate diagnoses and create more effective and efficient treatment plans.
Comprehensive Exam
Your dentist will review your x-rays and then take a thorough look at your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. If we spot any issues, we’ll take the time to educate you on our findings, so you can keep your dental health on the right track. We make it our goal to keep you educated about your oral well-being, so you can make the right decisions for your smile.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Using the information we’ve gathered with your exam and x-rays, we’ll work together with you to craft a treatment plan customized for your unique oral health needs, budget, and lifestyle. If everything looks good, we’ll simply schedule your next routine cleaning and checkup.
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Hours
MONDAY: 9AM-6PM
TUESDAY: 8AM-5PM
WEDNESDAY: 8AM-5PM
THURSDAY: 8AM-5PM
FRIDAY: 9AM-1PM
SATURDAY: Closed
SUNDAY: Closed
