Know what to expect when getting a filling

Dr. Natalya Nagornaya and her staff at Countryside Dental in Buffalo Grove, IL, understand that the words, “You have a cavity,” are probably not what you want to hear. Nevertheless, filling that cavity is important in order to prevent the spread of tooth decay that may lead to infection and even jawbone loss. Thanks to modern dental technology, getting a dental filling is painless and relatively simple procedure.

For years, fillings were made of an amalgam of metals that included varying amounts of silver, copper, tin and mercury. Consequently, a filling was noticeable when a patient smiled or spoke. Today, however, Dr. Nagornaya uses tooth-colored fillings. Made of composite resin materials that are easily blended, these fillings are designed to match the existing color of a tooth. In addition, unlike silver fillings that can be affected by temperature changes, tooth-colored fillings are not altered when exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks.

The Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure

When you come to our dental office for a dental filling, we will begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding soft tissue. Then, your dentist will use a special dental drill to remove the decayed tissue from your tooth. Yet another advantage of a tooth-colored filling is that more of your original tooth structure is maintained. This means that Dr. Nagornaya will need to use the drill for less time and you’ll have a stronger tooth.

Once all of the decayed matter is removed, we will clean out any remaining debris and place the composite resin material to fill the cavity. Finally, the filling is cleaned and polished to match the translucence of your natural tooth structure. Some lingering numbness after your dental filling procedure is to be expected. Some patients find that sipping a warm drink helps the anesthesia wear off. Caring for your tooth now that it has a tooth-colored filling is no different that caring for your other teeth. Brush at least twice every day and floss once daily. Your tooth-colored filling is durable and should last for years and years.

Call Our Office Today

If you know you have a cavity, then don’t delay treatment. Dr. Nagornaya and her staff are ready to repair your tooth with a tooth-colored fillings. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Buffalo Grove dental office. We welcome patients from Long Grove, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Hawthorn Woods, and beyond.