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New Patients (410) 994-2627

Current Patients (410) 877-7900

1810 Bel Air Rd. Suite 201 Fallston, MD 21047

Dental Fillings Fallston, MD

Dental fillings are a routine procedure that can help treat and prevent the spread of tooth decay. Most people will experience tooth decay at some point in their adult life. For patients with mild to moderate decay, dental fillings are a safe, effective, and comfortable dental treatment.

Our Fallston dentist office uses only tooth-colored dental fillings. “White” dental fillings are durable, attractive, and highly compatible. A white filling blends in with your natural smile.

It is possible to replace old amalgam (silver) fillings with new, natural-looking white fillings. Replacing metal fillings with white dental fillings can restore your smiles natural aesthetics and improve your oral health.

Cavity Prevention in Children

Good oral hygiene maintenance is the strongest foundation for a healthy mouth. As parents, you want to instill positive oral health habits in your child from the very beginning. Did you know that over half of children aged 5-9 have at least one cavity?

You can prevent your child from becoming a part of this statistic. Simply help them to brush for 2 minutes twice daily (2 X 2) and floss once daily.

During routine visits to our Fallston dentist office, we take the time to show our young patients how to effectively brush and floss to maintain tooth enamel and oral health.

You can also improve your child’s oral health by preparing healthy meals that are low in sugar. A good diet is not only good for your overall health, but your teeth and gums will also benefit.

Tooth decay is an infectious disease and is especially prevalent among school children. Tooth-related illnesses account for the loss of 52 million school hours each year.

What are Sealants?

If your child is especially prone to cavities, or if a low-sugar diet is not entirely realistic, you may want to talk to Dr. Umo about preventative sealants. This dental procedure uses a resin to fill in the pits and grooves on your molar teeth and makes them a less favorable environment for bacterial invasion.

How dental sealants work infographic

What to Expect: Dental Fillings

It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing tooth decay. Decay is a progressive condition that, when left untreated, can result in tooth loss or the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.

Dr. Umo will carefully examine your oral health and recommend treatment based on your personal needs.

We typically use composite dental fillings to treat tooth decay. These are also known as white fillings since they resemble the natural color of teeth. This type of filling will bond directly to the tooth and expand like natural teeth, making them less likely to cause cracks.

Traditional amalgam tooth fillings generally require the removal of healthy tooth structure, while composite dental fillings allow the dentist to remove only the decayed area of the tooth.

Dental Fillings FAQs

Why do I need a dental filling?

Dentists use dental fillings to fill a cavity. They also use them to restore a tooth after a root canal procedure. It is also possible to use dental fillings to treat teeth that have small chips or breaks.

Do I need a dental filling, an inlay or onlay?

The dentist will complete an evaluation to determine what type of dental filling is right for you. Typically, your dentist will use a composite dental filling for minor tooth decay or other damage. Your dentist may need to use an inlay or onlay for large tooth cavities or to replace large old fillings.

Are dental fillings painful?

Dental fillings, inlays and onlays are relatively simple procedures. Most patients do not experience any pain during the procedure, though some report mild sensitivity.

Do I need a dental filling or root canal?

Your dentist will determine if you need a tooth filling or a root canal. Without the proper tools and x-rays, you cannot effectively diagnose yourself. Severe tooth pain can be a sign of many issues, but is most common with a tooth cavity.

How long do dental fillings last?

A dental filling will last between 7 to 20 years. However, this will depend on the location of the filling, the size, and your dental hygiene. Some dental fillings can last a lifetime without the need for replacement. If you have a weird metal taste in your mouth, you may need to replace your old metal filling.

What is the healthiest tooth filling?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), amalgam is an ideal substance for dental restorations. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear, and cost-effective.

Why do fillings fall out?

Fillings can fall out for many reasons. Decay surrounding the filling can loosen the filling, biting on hard food can make the filling fall out, and a filling that was not properly secured can fall out. If your filling falls out, contact your dentist immediately and refrain from using the tooth.


Schedule A Dental Exam Today

If you have old metal fillings or suspect you need a dental filling, contact Harford County Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We offer tooth-colored dental fillings in the Bel Air, MD, and Fallston, MD areas.

We are currently welcoming new patients to our family-friendly dentist office. Harford County Dentistry is conveniently located at 1810 Bel Air Road in Fallston, Maryland.