
If you have a tooth that’s very sensitive to hot and cold foods/drinks, feels sore when you chew, or is causing you any kind of pain, you may have a cavity. And if that’s the case, a filling from Dr. Cade or Dr. Carlson at Carlson Family Dentistry is the best way to restore your smile. Contact us now to schedule your appointment, and get the dental care you need in Littleton and Columbine.
At our office, we use both metal amalgam and composite fillings. Metal amalgam fillings use a blend of several metals including copper, tin, silver, and mercury, and they are very strong and durable. They are ideal for restoring rear teeth, which undergo a lot of stress while chewing. However, they do have a silver-gray color that can discolor the tooth slightly.
Composite fillings, on the other hand, will match your natural tooth color, making them a superior choice for front teeth. These fillings are made from a mixture of special dental resin and crushed glass, and are completely indistinguishable from your natural tooth structure. To learn more about each type of filling and see which may be right for you, get in touch with Carlson Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment right away.
Dental crowns are usually made of porcelain, and are designed to cover up all of your remaining enamel after your tooth has been trimmed. They are often used to restore old, large fillings, to restore teeth with large cavities, or to repair teeth that have recently been treated with root canal therapy. Crowns may also sometimes be used for purely cosmetic purposes, though this is rare. To find out if a crown is right for you, come in for an appointment at Carlson Family Dentistry.
No. Dental fillings at our office are completely pain-free. The process is fast and non-invasive, and involves minimal removal of your tooth enamel. Your mouth will be completely numb throughout the procedure, and you can also be sedated with laughing gas to further enhance your comfort at Carlson Family Dentistry.
Your filling won’t hurt after your treatment, either. While your tooth may feel a bit tender and sensitive for a few days, this is normal, and will fade quickly. However, if your tooth still feels very tender or painful for up to 1-2 months or longer, this is not normal. You may want to schedule a follow-up appointment to have your filling inspected and adjusted at our office
This depends on the type of filling you get. Metal amalgam fillings are more durable and long-lasting compared to composite fillings, and can usually last 10 years or longer. Composite fillings tend to last between 5-10 years, depending on how well you care for your teeth.
To make sure your filling lasts a long time, it’s important to brush and floss properly, and to schedule routine appointments with Dr. Cade or Dr. Carlson. During your six-month teeth cleanings, our team can check on your fillings and make sure they’re in good shape and don’t require replacement. This reduces your risk of further tooth decay.