Dental Fillings in Raleigh
There are many dental procedures that are used to treat tooth decay. One of the oldest and most popular forms of treatment is a dental filling. Fillings seem like a rite of passage for many people because they are so common. It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t have at least one filling in their mouth. Over the years, however, the types of fillings have evolved, and it is now faster and easier to have a cavity treated at your dentist’s office than ever before.
Dental Fillings
Fillings are used to fill small holes in teeth that have been brought about either by fractures and/or decay. Decay is brought on by bacterial infections. Bacteria are found on teeth when they are not brushed or flossed correctly, but also poor diet, lifestyle habits, drug use, medication, medical conditions and more can cause tooth decay. Fillings cover holes in your teeth to protect the sensitive pulp and prevent further damage from occurring.
Anna Abernethy, DDS
Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.
Jill Sonner, DDS
Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.
Anita Wells, DDS
Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.
Composite Vs. Metal Fillings
The major difference between composite and amalgam fillings is the material used. Dental amalgam is a blend of several metals, including mercury and silver.
It has been used reliably to fill teeth in the US since the nineteenth century. Records of a similar amalgam of mercury, silver, and tin are even mentioned in Chinese medical texts as far back as the first century.
Starting in the 1990s, advances in dentistry produced new options for filling teeth. One of the most popular of these is composite fillings. The material used for composite fillings is also a mixture of polymers that can adhere to the tooth surface and are hardened with a blue light.
Many people prefer this type of filling because it does not contain mercury. Also, because it is tooth-colored, it is not easily discernible. Composite resins are strong enough to withstand pressures from the back teeth, and generally last ten years or more, making them a practical, comfortable, and attractive alternative to metal amalgam.
The Dental Filling Process
Fillings are a very common dental procedure. They are performed by dentists all over the world on a daily basis. Some dentists will perform several fillings in a single day. The process is simple and can be completed in less than an hour in most cases.
The first step in preparing for a filling is to have the tooth cleaned and any decay removed from the tooth with a dental drill after anesthetic has been administered and the area has been numbed. X-rays will be taken to determine the exact location of the cavity.
Then your dentist will work with you to determine the right cavity filling material for your needs and preferences. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared in order for it to receive the filling; if you opted for composite fillings, less tooth surface needs to be removed and altered than if you are having metal fillings placed.
Filling Aftercare
Once your filling is completed, you will continue to have a numbing sensation in the area for several hours. Once the numbness has worn off, patients are typically able to resume their daily activities. You’ll treat your filling like you do the rest of your teeth: continuing to brush and floss properly will ensure your filling lasts a long time.
During regular check-ups with our dentists, we will check the integrity of the filling and ensure that further decay has not occurred. You may experience some sensitivity for a few weeks following your filling as well. This is common and should subside after some time.
If you have pain in the area, talk to our dentists right away. If your filling ever cracks or falls out, make an appointment right away to have it repaired or replaced to prevent further damage from occurring in the tooth and surrounding teeth.