Dental Fillings in Loveland, OH

Repair & Protect Your Smile With Our Loveland Dentist

Cavities may seem routine for most patients, but they can develop into more severe complications if not immediately treated. Fortunately, dental fillings can restore teeth that have been affected by cavities or bacterial infections. At our Loveland, OH dental practice, Dr. Michael Kreimer can place natural-looking dental fillings in just one office visit to protect the beauty and structure of your teeth.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are the most common restorative procedure to repair minor damage or decay to your smile. When teeth become infected by bacteria, fillings can halt the progression of decay and restore their natural structure. Dr. Kreimer provides two types of fillings:

• Metal Amalgam: They consist of various metals like silver, tin, mercury, and copper.
• Tooth-Colored Composite Resin: They consist of a combination of glass, acrylic, and minerals and are held together in a resin matrix.

How Dental Fillings Repair Damaged Teeth

When you need a dental filling, our Loveland dentist, Dr. Kreimer, will provide you with the best treatment options suited to your unique oral needs. You’ll experience the following when we start the dental fillings procedure:

1. We’ll take an X-ray to see the extent of the damage.
2. If the cavity has extended beyond your tooth’s enamel, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the area for a pain-free, comfortable procedure.
3. We’ll use a gentle drill to remove bacteria and decayed tooth matter from the inside of your tooth. We’ll also remove any part of the damaged enamel.
4. We’ll apply your filling option onto the tooth to fill the cavity and replace the lost enamel.
5. If you choose white fillings or resin inlay and onlay, we’ll use a special light to harden and permanently bond the restoration to your tooth. We’ll then polish and smoothen the edge to make it look natural.
6. If you choose a silver filling, inlay and onlay, or white porcelain, we’ll place your restoration and bond it to your tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental fillings last?

Amalgam fillings can last up to 12 years, and composite fillings can last up to eight years with proper oral hygiene. You’ll need a replacement when a filling becomes less stable and shows signs of failure. 

Amalgam fillings can expand with age (which can crack the teeth), while composite fillings tend to leak (which can lead to secondary decay). The best way to ensure your filings are still effective is by visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. 

Can I replace my silver fillings with composite fillings?

In most cases, it’s possible to change silver fillings for new composite fillings. Ask your dentist to see if it’s possible to change fillings. Your dentist will examine your current fillings and determine if it’s the safest and most effective option to replace them with composite fillings.

How do I know if I have cavities?

Some signs and symptoms that you may be dealing with cavities include:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Discoloration
• Bad breath
• Toothache
• Bleeding, swollen gums
• Difficulty chewing
• Pain in tooth, jaw, or neck

If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get it checked and treated as soon as possible.