Dr. Sugg will perform an initial assessment of your teeth to determine the extent of the decay and whether a filling is needed. If a filling is required, she will administer local anesthesia to numb the area.
The Gravity of Cavities
The word “cavity” strikes fear into the hearts of children (and, be honest, some adults). All those years of gobbling down sweets and skipping their nightly brushing have finally caught up.
Fortunately, a dental filling in Hilton Head is a simple, mostly painless procedure. Fillings ensure any damage done does not worsen and increase the overall strength of your tooth’s structure. Plus, at Ocean Dental and Aesthetics, we use advanced white composite fillings that blend right in to your tooth enamel!
What To Expect
Fillings at Ocean Dental and Aesthetics
Once the tooth is numb, Dr. Sugg will drill or laser away the decayed portion of the tooth, clean and disinfect the cavity to remove any remaining bacteria or debris, and fill the cavity with our composite filling material.
Once the filling is placed, Dr. Sugg will check the bite to ensure proper alignment, make necessary adjustments, and polish out any rough edges for a natural-looking finish.
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Cavities, or holes in the teeth
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Cracked or broken teeth
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Worn-down tooth surfaces
What It Treats
Build Your Treatment Plan
If you have a cracked tooth or cavity and require a dental filling in Hilton Head, use our treatment builder tool to browse and select dental treatment options available at Ocean Dental and Aesthetics.
What to Expect With Dental Fillings
Filling a cavity poses very little risk, although you may experience some tenderness at the treatment site or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, air temperature, and while biting or chewing. This should subside within a few days. However, if you have questions or complications after the procedure, do not hesitate to contact Ocean Dental and Aesthetics.
Preparing for Dental Fillings
- Because a filling is noninvasive, brushing your teeth before receiving your filling is recommended
- Take any prescription and over-the-counter medication as you usually would
- Follow any pre-filling recommendations as directed by Dr. Sugg
Recovery from Dental Fillings
- Leave the affected part of the mouth alone and avoid eating hard or sticky foods for at least 12 hours
- Eat foods low in sugar and acidity to help speed up the recovery and avoid any setbacks
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages while your mouth heals
Compatible Treatments to Dental Fillings
Medically reviewed by
Ocean Aesthetics & Dental Team
Dental fillings are materials used to repair and restore teeth damaged by decay (cavities) or trauma. They help fill the cavity or hole in the tooth, restore its function, and prevent further decay.
Dental fillings can be made of various materials, including amalgam (a mixture of metals such as silver, mercury, tin, and copper), composite resin (a tooth-colored material made of plastic and glass), gold, and ceramic materials. The choice of filling material depends on factors such as the location and size of the cavity, aesthetic preferences, and cost.
If you experience symptoms such as toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks, pain when biting or chewing, visible holes or pits in your teeth, or dark spots on the surface of your teeth, you may need a dental filling. Dr. Sugg can assess your teeth and recommend the appropriate treatment if decay is present.
Getting a dental filling is typically not painful, as Dr. Sugg will numb the area with local anesthesia before beginning the procedure. You may feel pressure or discomfort during the drilling and filling process, but it should not be severe. After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, which usually resolves within a few days.
The lifespan of a dental filling depends on various factors, including the type of filling material used, the size and location of the filling, oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle habits. On average, dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more with proper care. Over time, fillings may wear down, chip, crack, or become loose, requiring replacement.
You can generally eat and drink normally after getting a dental filling. However, we recommend you avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods immediately after the procedure, as they may dislodge or damage the filling. You may also experience some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks, which should subside within a few days.
You can generally eat and drink normally after getting a dental filling. However, we recommend you avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods immediately after the procedure, as they may dislodge or damage the filling. You may also experience some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks, which should subside within a few days.
While dental fillings are considered safe and routine dental procedures, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of. These may include allergic reactions to filling materials, tooth sensitivity, tooth decay around the filling (if oral hygiene is inadequate), and filling failure (e.g., chipping, cracking, or falling out). It is essential to follow Dr. Sugg’s post-care instructions and attend your regular dental check-ups to keep an eye on the condition of your fillings.
Hear From Our Patients
Why Visit Ocean Dental and Aesthetics
Experienced Provider
Over her 35 year career, Dr. Sugg has been a private dentist, a contract dentist for the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island and the United States Army, and a clinic instructor at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.
Proven Services
She enjoys working with patients of all ages, and her dedication to health and inspiration by beauty is the philosophy that has made Ocean Dental and Aesthetics successful.
Compassionate Care
We take pride in offering safe, certified dental and aesthetics treatments carefully designed to deliver your desired results, such as repairing a crack or cavity in your tooth with a dental filling, in Hilton Head.
About Our Practice
We have been committed to dental excellence in Hilton Head since 2008.
We have even expanded to offer an array of aesthetic services to provide you with the best treatment options whenever you visit our practice.
