Repair Your Smile with Dental Fillings at Our Swansea Dental Office
Dental health is an essential part of overall wellness. At Corner Stone Dental, our restorative dentists in Swansea, IL, Dr. Randall E. Wilson and Dr. Lauren B. Wilson, provides high-quality dental fillings to restore your teeth and maintain a healthy smile. Whether you have cavities, chipped teeth, or old fillings that need replacement, our office delivers compassionate and professional care for patients from Swansea and surrounding areas, including Belleville, Shiloh, Millstadt, and O’Fallon.
Dental fillings not only improve the function of your teeth but also enhance your confidence when smiling, eating, and speaking. Our Swansea dentists focus on using modern materials and techniques to ensure lasting results with minimal discomfort. If you’re in need of a dental filling, contact Corner Stone Dental by calling (618) 236-0501.
Trust Our Swansea Dentists for Restorative Dental Care
At Corner Stone Dental, we pride ourselves on providing a friendly and welcoming environment. Our patients consistently share their positive experiences. Briana H., a recent patient, says:
- “Everyone was super friendly and nice, they got me in very early, did a nice dental filling for me and were very polite and patient with me. Definitely recommend, they got my teeth so nice and pretty!”
We serve patients not only from Swansea but also from Belleville, Shiloh, Millstadt, O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, and nearby areas. Our goal is to make every visit comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your individual needs.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or minor fractures. The process involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and filling it with a durable material to restore its shape, strength, and function. Dental fillings not only prevent further tooth decay but also improve the appearance of your smile.
Types of Dental Fillings We Offer
At Corner Stone Dental, we offer several types of fillings to meet the unique needs of each patient:
- Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored and aesthetically pleasing, composite fillings are ideal for visible teeth. They bond directly to your natural tooth structure and can be shaped to match your smile seamlessly.
- Amalgam Fillings: Silver-colored and highly durable, amalgam fillings are excellent for molars and teeth that endure heavy chewing pressure.
Your Swansea dentists will recommend the best material based on the location of the cavity, aesthetic preferences, and the functional needs of your tooth.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings provide a wide range of benefits, going beyond simply repairing a cavity:
- Restores Tooth Function: Enables you to chew, bite, and speak comfortably.
- Prevents Further Decay: Stops cavities from worsening and protects adjacent teeth.
- Enhances Appearance: Composite and ceramic fillings match your natural tooth color for a seamless smile.
- Strengthens Teeth: Durable materials provide added protection against fractures.
- Improves Oral Health: Timely treatment helps prevent the need for more invasive procedures such as dental crowns or root canals.
Who’s a Candidate for Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are suitable for a wide range of patients who are looking to protect and restore their teeth. You may benefit from a filling if you have:
- Cavities or Tooth Decay: Early detection and treatment prevent more extensive procedures such as crowns or root canals.
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Fillings can repair minor cracks or chips, restoring your tooth’s function and appearance.
- Worn-Down Teeth: Teeth that have been worn due to grinding or acidic erosion can be strengthened with a filling.
- Old or Damaged Fillings: Existing fillings that are deteriorating, cracked, or falling out need replacement to prevent further damage.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Fillings can help reduce sensitivity caused by exposed dentin from decay or worn enamel.
Our dentists in Swansea, IL, provide individualized treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the appropriate type of filling for their specific needs. To determine if a dental filling is right for you, contact our Swansea dentists by calling (618) 236-0501.
What to Expect During Your Dental Filling Appointment
A dental filling procedure at Corner Stone Dental is designed to be smooth, efficient, and comfortable. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to the process:
- Initial Examination and X-Rays: Dr. Randall or Dr. Lauren Wilson will examine your teeth, taking X-rays to detect cavities, cracks, or old fillings that need attention. This step ensures we address all areas of concern.
- Preparation: The affected tooth is cleaned thoroughly to remove bacteria and decay. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, ensuring a pain-free experience.
- Filling Placement: The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and carefully places the selected filling material. For composite fillings, the material is applied in layers and hardened using a special curing light.
- Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling is in place, the dentist shapes it to restore the natural contours of your tooth and ensures your bite feels comfortable. Polishing completes the process, giving your tooth a smooth, natural finish.
- Aftercare Instructions: You’ll receive guidance on caring for your filling, including tips for brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods immediately after the procedure. Regular dental checkups help maintain the health of your fillings over time.
Caring for Your Dental Fillings
Proper care is crucial to maintain the longevity of your fillings and overall dental health. Here are expert tips from our Swansea dentists:
- Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
- Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods immediately after getting a filling.
- Maintain a balanced diet to reduce the risk of further decay.
By following these guidelines, your fillings can last for many years while keeping your smile healthy and strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during a dental filling. Modern techniques, including local anesthesia, ensure the treated area is numb, so you typically feel only pressure or vibration rather than pain. Some patients may notice mild sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days, but this usually resolves quickly. Our dentists take extra care to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the type of material used, its location, and your oral habits. Composite fillings generally last 5-10 years, while amalgam and ceramic fillings can last 10-15 years or longer. Regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing, and avoiding excessive force on the filled tooth can significantly extend the life of your fillings.
Yes, once the anesthesia wears off, most patients can return to normal eating. For composite fillings, it’s recommended to avoid hard, sticky, or extremely hot foods for a few hours to allow the material to fully harden. Your dentist may provide additional tips for protecting the new filling and reducing sensitivity in the first few days.
You may need a filling if you notice symptoms such as tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, pain when chewing, visible holes, or dark spots on your teeth. Even without noticeable symptoms, cavities can develop silently. Regular exams and X-rays with our Swansea dentists help detect decay early, allowing for timely treatment and preserving your natural teeth.
Improve Your Oral Health with Dental Fillings in Swansea, IL
Dental fillings are a simple, effective way to repair teeth, prevent further decay, and improve the appearance and function of your smile. At Corner Stone Dental in Swansea, IL, Dr. Randall E. Wilson and Dr. Lauren B. Wilson provide trusted, high-quality restorative care for patients from Swansea and surrounding areas.
With modern techniques, personalized treatment plans, and a patient-focused approach, our team ensures every visit is comfortable and effective. Don’t wait to protect your teeth, schedule your appointment by calling (618) 236-0501 to experience top dental care from your local Swansea, IL dentists.