White Fillings - What you should know...

-White fillings do not typically last as long as other filling materials. Therefore, they need to be replaced more often, about every 2-5 years.

-If you have dental insurance, most dental insurance plans do not fully cover or provide any coverage at all for white fillings. Therefore, more than likely you will be responsible for a co-payment or possibly payment in full for any white fillings that are done.

-White fillings are technically more difficult to perform, take more chair time, involve materials that cost more and therefore have a higher fee than typical silver (amalgam) fillings.

-Statistically, white fillings have more problems with postoperative sensitivity than most other types of filling materials. In some cases root canal therapy is necessary to alleviate the sensitivity.

-Oral hygiene is very important if you have white fillings. Leaking of decay into the tooth is fairly common and can cause numerous problems. We suggest that you supplement your daily brushing and flossing with a fluoride rinse (such as ACT Fluoride Rinse, which is available over the counter). It is important to use the rinse as directed and to always keep up with periodic dental cleanings and routine x-rays. Following these recommendations will insure that you get the most longevity and encounter the least amount of problems with your white fillings.

Important Information About Postoperative Sensitivity:

-You may ask why a tooth that wasn't sensitive before it was filled, is now sensitive. Healthy tooth nerves are not typically sensitive after a filling is done. The decay or the existing filling may have compromised the tooth nerve such that when it was drilled today, the nerve was unable to heal itself and becomes sensitive. See the notes below to help answer the question of whether you need to call our office.

-If your new filling hurts when you chew or bite together, you may need a bite adjustment. Call our office as soon as you can for an appointment to adjust the bite on the filling.

-If sensitivity is mild and seems to be getting better, in most cases it will go away on its own, usually in 1-4 weeks.

-If sensitivity is extreme, especially to hot and/or cold, root canal treatment more than likely will be necessary to save the tooth. Call our office as soon as you can for an appointment to have the tooth evaluated.

Questions? Call Drs. Belasco, Ober & Associates – 724-929-3368