At Fox View Dental in De Pere, Wisconsin, we help patients restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay with high-quality dental fillings. Our team provides this common dental procedure to patients from Allouez, Green Bay, Appleton, and surrounding communities. Dental fillings play an important role in maintaining oral health by repairing cavities and protecting your teeth from additional damage.
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, or visible holes in your teeth, call Fox View Dental at (920) 336-4201 to schedule an appointment with our dentist in De Pere today.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are materials used to repair and restore teeth damaged by decay. When bacteria in your mouth create acids that eat away at tooth enamel, cavities form. These small holes can grow larger over time, potentially leading to more serious dental issues. Fillings help stop this process by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the area with a durable material.
At Fox View Dental in De Pere, we utilize composite resin fillings. These tooth-colored fillings are sturdy, while still blending with your natural teeth.
Fox View Dental’s Signature Care Approach
Digital Precision Filling Technology
At Fox View Dental in De Pere, we use advanced digital dental technology to enhance the precision of our dental fillings. Our digital scanning equipment allows us to create detailed images of the cavity, helping us place fillings with greater accuracy and minimal removal of healthy tooth structure.
This technology-forward approach means your fillings fit better, last longer, and feel more natural in your mouth. It’s part of our commitment to providing modern dental care to patients throughout De Pere, Green Bay, and Appleton.
Same-Day Emergency Filling Services
We understand that dental pain doesn’t follow a schedule. That’s why Fox View Dental offers same-day emergency dental appointments for patients suffering from painful cavities or lost fillings. Our flexible scheduling accommodates urgent dental needs, helping you get relief quickly.
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or have lost a filling, call us right away at (920) 336-4201. Our team will work to see you as soon as possible, often on the same day.
The Dental Filling Process at Fox View Dental
Initial Examination and Diagnosis
The first step in the dental filling process involves a thorough examination of your teeth. At Fox View Dental in De Pere, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays, to assess the extent of tooth decay. These images allow our dentists to see cavities between teeth or beneath the surface that might not be visible during a visual examination.
During this examination, we’ll discuss any symptoms you’ve experienced, such as tooth sensitivity or pain when eating certain foods. Based on our findings, we’ll determine if a dental filling is necessary or if another treatment might be more appropriate.
Preparing for the Procedure
If a filling is needed, we’ll schedule your treatment appointment. The dental filling procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Before beginning, we’ll discuss the filling material options available and help you make an informed decision based on factors like durability, aesthetics, and cost.
Numbing the Area
To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This prevents you from feeling pain during the procedure, though you may still feel some pressure as we work.
For patients with dental anxiety, Fox View Dental offers additional comfort options to help you relax during your appointment, including sedation dentistry. We understand that dental procedures can cause stress for some individuals, and we work hard to create a calming environment.
Removing Decay and Cleaning the Tooth
Once the area is numb, our De Pere dentist will use specialized dental instruments to carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. We’ll also clean the cavity to eliminate any bacteria or debris that could cause further problems.
After removing the decay, we shape the space to prepare it for the filling material. This step is important for creating a strong bond between your tooth and the filling, helping to extend the life of your restoration.
Placing the Filling Material
The next step involves placing the chosen filling material into the prepared cavity. The exact process varies depending on the type of filling. For composite fillings, the material is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light before the next is applied.
We carefully shape and contour the filling to match the natural anatomy of your tooth, helping maintain proper function and appearance.
Checking Your Bite and Making Adjustments
After placing the filling, we’ll check your bite to make sure the new filling doesn’t interfere with how your teeth come together. If the filling is too high, it can cause discomfort when chewing or even lead to pain in your jaw joint.
We may ask you to bite down on special paper that leaves colored marks on the filling, showing us where adjustments are needed. This attention to detail helps prevent potential problems after your procedure.
Polishing and Final Touches
The final step involves polishing the filling to smooth any rough edges and create a natural feel. This polishing also helps prevent irritation to your tongue and cheeks, making the filling more comfortable.
For tooth-colored fillings, we take extra care to match the shade to your natural teeth, creating a seamless appearance that blends with your smile.
Aftercare for Your New Dental Fillings in De Pere
What to Expect After Getting a Filling
After receiving a dental filling, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity to temperature or pressure. This typically subsides within a few days but can last up to a couple of weeks in some cases. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort during this period.
We recommend avoiding very hot or cold foods and beverages for the first 24-48 hours after getting a filling. You should also try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until any sensitivity resolves.
Long-Term Care for Dental Fillings
With proper care, dental fillings can last many years before needing replacement. To maximize the lifespan of your fillings:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Visit Fox View Dental regularly for checkups and cleanings
Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or other hard objects
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night
Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your fillings and identify any issues before they become serious problems. Small cracks or wear can often be repaired if caught early, extending the life of your filling.
Take the first step toward a healthier smile by calling (920) 336-4201 to schedule your dental filling consultation. Our friendly staff will answer any questions you have about the procedure and help you find an appointment time that fits your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience little to no pain during the dental filling procedure thanks to effective local anesthetics. Your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth before beginning any work, which prevents pain signals from reaching your brain. You may feel some pressure or vibration during the procedure, but these sensations shouldn’t be painful. After the anesthetic wears off, mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
You can generally resume eating once the local anesthetic has worn off completely, typically within one to three hours after your appointment. During this time, be careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue, as these areas will also be numb. For the first 24-48 hours, it’s best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, as your tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods should also be avoided for the first day to prevent dislodging or damaging your new filling.
Composite fillings are made of tooth-colored resin materials that blend with your natural teeth, making them nearly invisible. These fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth material during placement.
Amalgam fillings, made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, have been used for over 150 years due to their strength and durability. While more noticeable due to their silver appearance, amalgam fillings typically last longer than composite fillings and are often less expensive. Your dentist can help you decide which type is best based on the location of the cavity, your budget, and personal preferences.
Dental fillings can and should be replaced when they show signs of wear, damage, or when new decay forms around them. Signs that a filling may need replacement include visible cracks or chips, rough edges that catch on floss, pain or sensitivity in the filled tooth, or dark lines around the filling edges.
The replacement process is similar to getting a new filling, involving removal of the old filling material and any new decay, followed by placement of fresh filling material. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your existing fillings and recommend timely replacements when necessary.
Ready to Address Your Cavity? Contact Fox View Dental Today!
Your smile deserves the best care possible. At Fox View Dental, we provide dental fillings in De Pere that not only stop decay but also strengthen your teeth and enhance your smile’s appearance. Our gentle approach and attention to detail make getting a filling a straightforward, comfortable experience.
Don’t wait until a small cavity becomes a big problem. Contact Fox View Dental today at (920) 336-4201 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients from Allouez, Green Bay, Appleton, and the surrounding Wisconsin communities with comprehensive dental care in a welcoming environment.
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 …
With proper care, dental fillings can last many years before needing replacement. To maximize the lifespan of your fillings:
