If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain in Allouez, Green Bay, Appleton, or Ashwaubenon, dental fillings might be the solution you need. At Fox View Dental, we help patients determine if dental fillings are the right option for restoring their oral health and preventing further dental issues.
Tooth decay affects millions of Americans each year, but with proper dental care and timely interventions like dental fillings, you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Our De Pere dentist will evaluate your specific situation to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Ready to address your dental concerns? Contact Fox View Dental today at (920) 336-4201 to schedule your evaluation.
The Fox View Dental Advantage: Digital Cavity Detection
At Fox View Dental in De Pere, we utilize advanced digital dental technology like the CBCT scanner to identify decay at its earliest stages, often before it’s visible to the naked eye or on traditional X-rays. This technology allows us to:
Detect cavities much earlier, when they’re smaller and easier to treat
Preserve more healthy tooth structure during the filling process
Provide more conservative, less invasive treatments
Increase the longevity of dental fillings
Reduce the need for more extensive dental work in the future
By catching decay early, we can often place smaller, more conservative fillings, which generally last longer and preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Key Factors That Determine Dental Filling Candidacy
Extent of Tooth Decay
The severity of tooth decay plays a major role in determining whether dental fillings are appropriate. For minor to moderate decay limited to the outer layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin), fillings typically work well. However, if decay has reached the pulp (the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels), a root canal might be necessary before placing a filling.
Tooth Structural Integrity
Dental fillings require sufficient healthy tooth structure for support. If decay or damage has compromised too much of your tooth, a dental crown might be more appropriate. Our De Pere dentist will assess your tooth’s structure to determine the best restoration method.
Oral Health Habits
Your oral hygiene practices significantly impact filling candidacy and longevity. Patients who brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend routine dental check-ups typically experience better outcomes with dental fillings. Consistent oral care helps prevent further decay around existing tooth fillings.
Material Considerations
Some patients may have sensitivities or allergies to certain filling materials. During your consultation at Fox View Dental, we’ll discuss any known allergies or sensitivities you may have to help select the most suitable filling material for your needs.
Overall Dental Health
Your general oral health condition affects dental filling success. Issues like gum disease or bite problems may need to be addressed before or alongside filling placement. Our comprehensive evaluation considers all aspects of your oral health to create an effective treatment plan.
Alternatives When Dental Fillings Aren’t Viable
When tooth integrity is too compromised for conventional fillings, dentists typically recommend more substantial restorative options. In cases where the pulp is infected but the tooth is salvageable, root canal therapy followed by crown placement is often recommended to preserve natural tooth structure while eliminating infection.
Dental crowns are the most common alternative, covering the entire visible portion of the tooth to provide strength and protection when decay or damage is extensive. For severely damaged teeth with healthy roots, post and core buildups may be necessary before crown placement to provide sufficient structural support.
Inlays and onlays serve as intermediate options between fillings and crowns, with inlays fitting within the cusps and onlays covering one or more cusps of the tooth.
Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort during dental filling procedures. Before beginning, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area completely. After the procedure, you might experience mild sensitivity for a few days, particularly with temperature changes. This sensitivity typically resolves quickly as your tooth adjusts to the new filling material.
A standard dental filling procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The exact time depends on factors like the size of the cavity, the location of the tooth, and the type of filling material being used. Smaller, simpler fillings might take as little as 20 minutes, while more complex cases involving multiple surfaces might require more time.
Children can and often do receive dental fillings when they develop cavities in their primary (baby) teeth. Treating cavities in baby teeth is important because decay can spread quickly and potentially damage the developing permanent teeth underneath. The procedure for children is similar to adults, though dentists may use additional techniques to help young patients feel comfortable during treatment. Special consideration is given to the choice of filling materials for children’s teeth.
Allergic reactions to dental filling materials are rare but possible. Some patients may experience allergic responses to metals in amalgam fillings, such as mercury or silver. Symptoms might include oral inflammation, skin rashes, or itching near the filling site. Patients with known metal allergies should discuss alternative filling materials with their dentist before treatment. Most dental practices offer multiple filling options to accommodate patients with specific material sensitivities.
Preventing the need for dental fillings involves maintaining consistent oral hygiene practices and making smart lifestyle choices. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth where cavities often begin. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, which contribute significantly to tooth decay.
Consider protective measures like dental sealants, which create a barrier against decay on the chewing surfaces of molars. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings every six months allow for early detection of potential problems before they require fillings.
Take the First Step Toward Optimal Dental Health
Don’t let tooth decay progress and cause unnecessary pain or more extensive dental work. At Fox View Dental in De Pere, WI, we’re committed to providing gentle, effective dental filling treatments that restore your smile and protect your long-term oral health.
Our experienced team serves patients from throughout Appleton, Allouez, and Ashwaubenon with personalized care designed to meet your specific needs. We take the time to evaluate your unique situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
Ready to address your dental concerns? Call affordable general dentist in De Pere at (920) 336-4201 today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation. Our friendly staff is standing by to help residents of Green Bay and surrounding communities achieve their healthiest smiles.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Chad Yenchesky
Dr. Chad is no ordinary dentist.
He’s an extraordinary dentist!
As the owner of Fox View Dental, Dr. Chad Yenchesky—or Dr. Chad, as he is more commonly known—brings the best in digital dentistry to Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin.
Known for his passionate pursuit of implant, restorative, cosmetic and sedation dentistry, loved for his fun and colorful personality, and respected for his active leadership in the national dental continuing education community, Dr. Chad brings a refreshing blend of knowledge and charisma to the chair. Patients especially appreciate his down-to-earth demeanor, relentless …
Tooth Structural Integrity
