77 Westport Plaza Dr.
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146

Dental Fillings in St. Louis, MO

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when tooth decay or damage threatens your oral health. That’s when you’ll need our high-quality dental fillings in St. Louis, MO. Whether it’s from a lapse in your brushing routine or an unexpected chipped tooth, we’re here to help.

At Smiles by Choice, we strive to turn the clock back on your dental issues and make damaged teeth a thing of the past. So, if you want to experience the benefits of dental fillings for your oral health, call our office today.

Our Dental Filling Process

Our team in St. Louis, MO, led by Dr. Louise R. First and Dr. Timm, employs a meticulous, step-by-step process for dental fillings. Tailored to align with the unique contours of your teeth, this process may be adjusted depending on the location and nature of the damage. However, we typically adhere to the following procedure:

  • Dr. First or Dr. Timm begins by applying a topical numbing gel to your gums, reducing nerve sensitivity. If necessary, a local anesthetic injection might be added for further comfort.
  • Next, our dentists gently remove any decaying parts of your tooth or teeth using specialized tools. We might skip this step when dealing with tooth damage that isn’t decay-related, such as cracks or breaks.
  • Dr. First or Dr. Timm then fills the cavity or damaged area with filling material, thus protecting the tooth and averting further damage. Depending on the type of damage and the tooth’s location, we may utilize a variety of dental fillings and sealants.
  • Lastly, they polish the filling and adjust it to match your bite, making it feel like any other tooth. If a composite filling material is used, we also harden or “cure” the filling with a special light. After this, you can enjoy food and drinks, provided they aren’t too hot or cold.

Our process is generally quick and straightforward, allowing you to return to your daily routine swiftly. You may notice slight tingling or sensitivity in the filled area for a few days, but these symptoms should dissipate, leaving your mouth feeling improved.

Dental Filling Materials: Your Choices Explained

At Smiles by Choice, we prioritize quality and patient satisfaction regarding dental fillings. As a result, we offer two trusted materials to choose from: Composite Resin and Amalgam.

ā€‹ā€‹Composite Resin Fillingsā€‹

ā€‹ā€‹Composite Resin Fillings

Seeking a natural, seamless restoration for your teeth? Our composite resin fillings are an excellent choice. They’re tooth-colored, offering an aesthetic appeal that complements your front and back teeth. Known for their durability and fracture resistance, these fillings are subtle and less noticeable than traditional amalgam or silver fillings.Ā 

Composite resin fillings are typically long-lasting, lasting between 3 to 10 years. However, remember that larger fillings may chip or wear over time, and habitual coffee, tea, or tobacco consumption can stain these fillings.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

These fillings are known for their robustness and longevity, often outlasting their composite counterparts. Amalgam fillings are a tried-and-true choice and are generally well-tolerated. The trade-off is their darker color, which makes them more noticeable than composite fillings. Therefore, they’re typically not recommended for obvious areas.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillingsā€‹

Common Dental Cleaning and Exam FAQs

While composite resin is popular, itā€™s not always the best option. The FDA notes they may not be as durable as amalgam fillings for certain types of tooth injuries. However, we often use composite resin on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, dental filling placements take less than an hour. However, the exact time may vary depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage and the filling used.
You generally shouldnā€™t experience pain or soreness after a filling procedure. However, in rare cases, some individuals might experience pain, sensitivity, or an allergic reaction to the filling material. If you have any concerns post-procedure, donā€™t hesitate to contact us.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Fillings Now

The dental office of Dr. Louise R. First provides top-quality oral care so tooth damage doesn’t take over your life. We work with you to supply a long-lasting dental solution that lasts for years to come. Call us today to learn more about dental fillings in St. Louis, MO, and surrounding cities.