A tooth filling can be a scary prospect if you’ve never had one before, but there’s no need for fear. In the hands of a skilled dentistry professional, this process is safe, quick, and painless. Getting the facts on dental fillings can assuage your fears. Below, the professionals of Bream Family Dental Care in Waynesboro, VA, answer some of the most common queries about the process.

FAQs: All About Tooth Fillings

How Does the Process Work?

It’s a two-step procedure. First, your dentist will remove any dead or decaying material from the tooth. Next, a replacement filling is inserted and secured in the gap left behind by this removal.

What Material Is the Actual Filling?

Common substances include gold, silver amalgam, plastic, and composite resin. Some patients prefer porcelain, which blends in more easily with the color of their natural teeth.

Do Tooth Filling Procedures Hurt?

Your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic before beginning the procedure. This means you’ll be comfortable throughout the process. The most you’ll notice is a bit of pressure as the dental works in your mouth.

Can You Get More Than One at a Time?

Yes. There isn’t any concrete limit to how many fillings you can get in one sitting. It depends largely on how many cavities you have, where they are, and your personal comfort levels, like managing to sit with your mouth open for a long time. 

What Can You Expect Afterward?

You will continue to care for your teeth—fillings and all—as usual. Regular brushing and flossing can help stave off future cavities and prevent the need for additional fillings.

If you need a tooth filling in the Waynesboro, VA, area, Bream Family Dental Care can help. You’ll find yourself in experienced hands here: Dr. Alan Bream and his team have been serving the Augusta County community for over 25 years. You can find out more about their services, from teeth whitening to root canals, online. For an appointment, call (540) 949-7246.