Dental Fillings in Waukegan, IL & Lakeview, Chicago
A cavity may start small, but untreated decay can continue damaging your tooth. A dental filling removes the decayed portion of the tooth and restores the area so you can bite and chew comfortably again.
Family Dental Care provides dental fillings in Chicago and Waukegan, IL, including natural-looking, tooth-colored restorations. Whether you have a new cavity or an existing filling that feels damaged or uncomfortable, our dentists can examine your tooth and recommend the right treatment.
Natural-Looking Composite Dental Fillings
Family Dental Care offers composite dental fillings that blend in with the natural color of your smile. Unlike silver-colored restorations, composite resin can be shaded to blend naturally with the surrounding tooth.
Also known as tooth-colored fillings, white dental fillings, or composite white fillings, these restorations can be used to treat cavities and certain minor chips, cracks, or areas of wear.
Composite fillings offer several benefits:
- Blend naturally with surrounding teeth
- Restore the shape and function of a damaged tooth
- Work well for many front and back teeth
- Provide a less noticeable alternative to silver-colored fillings
- Bond directly to the prepared tooth
The best restoration depends on the location and size of the damaged area, the condition of your tooth, and your individual dental needs. If a filling is not the right choice, your dentist may suggest a different restorative treatment, which could include an inlay, onlay, or dental crown.
When Do You Need a Tooth Filling?
You may need a tooth filling when decay creates a cavity in the tooth. However, cavities do not always cause symptoms right away. Some are first discovered during a routine dental exam or through dental X-rays.
Signs that a tooth should be evaluated include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain or discomfort when biting
- A visible hole or damaged area
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A filling that feels loose, rough, or damaged
These symptoms do not always mean that you need a filling. Our dentists will examine the tooth to determine the cause of the problem and whether a tooth filling restoration is appropriate.
Treating a cavity early can help preserve more of your natural tooth and may prevent the need for a larger restoration later.
What Happens During a Dental Filling Procedure?
Knowing what to expect can make your appointment feel more comfortable. The exact dental filling procedure depends on the tooth and the amount of decay, but treatment generally involves a few straightforward steps.
- Examine the tooth. Your dentist evaluates the tooth and determines the appropriate type of restoration.
- Keep you comfortable. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the treatment area.
- Remove the decay. Damaged or decayed tooth structure is carefully removed.
- Place the filling. Tooth-colored composite material is applied to the prepared area and hardened.
- Shape the restoration. Your dentist shapes and polishes the filling and checks your bite.
A direct composite filling can typically be completed during one office visit, although treatment time varies depending on the size and location of the restoration.
Some temporary sensitivity or tenderness can occur after treatment. If your bite feels uneven after the numbness fades, the filling feels damaged, or discomfort continues, contact our office so our team can evaluate the tooth.
Dental Fillings in Waukegan and Lakeview
Family Dental Care provides restorative dental care at our Waukegan and Lakeview locations.
If you’re looking for dental fillings in Waukegan, IL, our team can examine cavities, damaged teeth, and existing restorations and explain your treatment options.
Patients who need a dental filling in Lakeview can receive the same patient-focused care at our Chicago location. Our English- and Spanish-speaking team works to explain your treatment clearly and help you feel comfortable throughout your visit.
Schedule Your Dental Filling Appointment
Don’t wait for a small cavity or damaged tooth to turn into a larger problem. Family Dental Care offers natural-looking tooth fillings to restore your smile while protecting the health and function of your teeth.
Contact our Waukegan or Lakeview office today to schedule an appointment and find out whether a composite dental filling is right for you.
