FAQS about Dental Fillings

Find out everything you need to know about getting dental fillings in Lincoln.



Did one of our Lincoln dentists Dr. Greg Blome or Dr. Sara Wubbels recommend getting a dental filling? Often during those six-month exams, we find problems like cavities, which is why it’s always important to keep up with these routine visits. They could prevent more serious issues in the long run. But if you need to get a filling you may feel a bit nervous. But don’t worry; we are here to give you the 411 on your upcoming treatment.

What are dental fillings and why are they needed?

While it might not be pleasant to think about your mouth teeming with bacteria, it’s true. And these bacteria love to feast on sugar.

Whenever you consume sugar the bacteria turns it into acid, which wears away healthy tooth enamel. Over time, the acid attacks on your teeth cause holes to form in the enamel. These holes are better known as cavities. Once a cavity forms your Lincoln restorative dentist will need to remove the decayed parts of the tooth and then fill the tooth to restore its shape and appearance.

What kinds of fillings are available and which one is the right on for me?

There are many materials to choose from when it comes to getting a dental filling. The two most common types are amalgam (silver, gold, copper, etc.) and composite resin (tooth-colored material). Composite resin tends to be the most popular kind because they look most like real teeth so they blend seamlessly. However, amalgam fillings are usually more durable and often recommended for back teeth since they take on more biting forces.

How are dental fillings placed?

We always want you to feel comfortable during your dental procedure so the first thing we will do is administer a local anesthetic. This will numb the area prior to treatment so you don’t feel a thing. Once the anesthesia has taken effect we can use a dental drill to remove the decayed portions of the tooth. Once the damaged portions are removed we can begin to apply the filling in layers (or in just one layer if it is an amalgam filling). We may also use a laser to harden each layer. Lastly, we will also mold and shape each layer until we achieve the ideal shape.

Have more questions about dental fillings? Need to schedule your six-month cleaning with Blome Family Dentistry? Then call our Lincoln, NE dental office today to book your next visit.