The options in fillings today include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, and composite fillings that match the color of the tooth. At Smiles By Design in Weston, Florida, Dr. John M. Garcia often recommends composite fillings for patients because they look better as well as being better for the body and less likely to damage the tooth.
There are 2 main parts in getting a dental filling. First, Dr. Garcia will take the dead and decaying tissue out of the tooth. The only material that's removed is that which can't be saved. After that, the area is cleaned to make sure that all the bacteria is gone. Then, the filling will be placed within the tooth and secured.
Patients won't feel anything because they'll receive an anesthetic before the filling is placed. At most, the patient may experience an odd sensation, which is the dental drill. It's not painful thanks to the anesthetic.
At Smiles By Design, a computer-controlled local anesthesia system is used in place of anesthesia injections. Using the STA, The Wand system, a single tooth can be fully anesthetized without affecting the rest of the mouth. This allows for a far easier filling process, and for faster recovery afterward as well.
It can vary, with the type of filling being largely up to the patient's personal preferences. The most common kinds of dental fillings today are porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, resin, and gold.
Yes, in fact, Smiles By Design offers Air Abrasion for the treatment of small cavities. With Air Abrasion, tiny particles in powder form are blown towards the hole in the tooth using a small wand. These particles form the filling, precisely filling the hole with no need for a dental drill.
After getting a new filling, patients can expect some sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure for a few days up to a few weeks. Most people can go back to eating and drinking normally within a day. With silver amalgam fillings, patients should avoid hard or chewy foods for 24 hours. Other types of fillings tend to set up more quickly and don't require the patient to avoid certain foods. Most patients feel fine within a few hours of having a new filling installed.
"The best investment ever. Dr. Garcia stays abreast all the latest technology available for optimal dental care. He is innovative and takes much pride in his work!"
"Smiles By Design has the most wonderful staff, they always excel during every check up I have and really care about their patients as people."
"Dr Garcia and Team are wonderful! High tech AND high touch! Great teamwork, super efficient and awesome results. Thank you!!"
"I love smiles by Design! Everyone is friendly and respectful; they make you feel comfortable, and the job they do is very professional. I recommend it 100%"
"Why would I wanna go anywhere else? The cherry on top of it all is that his staff is very professional and friendly. Hard to get all in one these days at others."
"I've been going to Dr. Garcia and his team for over 12yrs. He is THE BEST dentist and has the best staff."
"I have been a client of Dr. Garcia for 10+ years, and would not consider changing dentists, even though I must now travel nearly 100 miles for a visit."
