Fillings

What are fillings?

• Treatment used to restore function of tooth
• Common procedure used to repair damage to your tooth caused by a cavity or decay
• Quick procedure - usually takes an hour or less depending on size and where it is located
• Help to prevent further decay or eventually possible extraction
• Restore ability to bite or chew without any pain
• Tooth colored, will match surrounding teeth

To determine if you need a filling, our doctors at San Ramon Dental Excellence will provide an oral exam and x-rays.  Once diagnosed, the doctor will provide a local anesthetic to numb a specific area of the mouth so that the treatment process will be pain free. The doctor will then carefully drill a hole in the tooth to remove any decay. Following this, they will apply composite resin to the tooth several  times while curing each layer with a special light. Once the tooth is filled, it will be polished to make sure it feels smooth and your bite will be checked for alignment.

After the procedure, you can return to normal eating and drinking right away. It is normal to experience slight discomfort or pain within the first 24-48 hours after the treatment, though it should subside quickly.

To reduce sensitivity or discomfort, our doctors recommend that you chew on the other side of your mouth, brush and floss gently around the area, avoid acidic foods and use a desensitizing toothpaste. If needed, taking over the counter pain medicine will also help.

If you think you may have a cavity and need a filling, please call our office at 925-866-8890.