In this Article

• What steps are involved in filling teeth?
• What types of filling materials are available?
• Does dental insurance cover the cost of composites?
• What are indirect fillings?
• What's a temporary filling and why would I need one?
• Are amalgam-type fillings safe?
• How should I care for my teeth with fillings?
• Pictures of Cosmetic Dentistry - Slideshow
• Fillings Index

How Should I Care for My Teeth With Fillings?

To maintain your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices - visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings, brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and flossing at least once daily. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is "leaking" (when the sides of the filling don't fit tightly against the tooth, this allows debris and saliva to seep down between the filling and the tooth, which can lead to decay), he or she will take X-rays to assess the situation. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist for an appointment.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Root Canal - Read about root canal complications, pain, costs and symptoms and signs that a root canal is needed. The dental procedure is a treatment used to save an infected tooth.
• Toothache - Complete explanation of toothache causes including - dental cavities, dental abscess, gum disease, irritation of the tooth root, cracked tooth syndrome, temporomandibular disease, impaction, eruption, as well as diseases. of the heart, sinuses, and ears.
• Problems With Dental Fillings - Learn about problems with dental fillings. Tooth sensitivity, pain and allergic reactions to silver (amalgam) fillings from a metal allergy are common complications.

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