Galway Dentists

What are tooth fillings?

Restoring Your Tooth’s Health and Function

Tooth fillings are essential for restoring a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal shape and function. By filling cavities, we not only repair the tooth but also halt further decay and prevent the spread of infection.

What Are Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings are a routine procedure at Galway Dentists, designed to treat cavities, broken teeth, and teeth worn down from grinding or other habits. The process involves removing decayed tooth tissue and filling the cavity with a suitable material.

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Tooth fillings

Do I need a Tooth Filling?

In the early stages, you might not notice any symptoms of a decaying tooth, so it’s essential to book an appointment with a dentist to check for any issues. It is vital to see us at Galway Dentists if you experience –

Tearing of flossing string:

Do you notice that the string of the flossing material you’re using is tearing every time you floss a tooth?

Temperature sensitivity:

When you eat hot or cold food, do you feel sensitivity in your teeth?

Fractured or chipped tooth:

You may want to request an appointment with your dentist if you have a damaged tooth.

Sharp or throbbing pain:

When you chew or bite down food, do you feel a throbbing pain in your tooth or mouth?

Dark Spots on Tooth

Can you see a hole in your tooth that feels rough?

Food getting stuck between Teeth

Do you notice that food constantly gets stuck between teeth or a particular tooth?

Previous tooth filling damage:

You may need to see us at Galway Dentists if your previous filling is missing, broken, or cracked.

What to expect

Do I need a Dental Check-up?

In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums, we recommend that our patients com and see us at least once every six months. However, many people only visit the dentist when they’re experiencing pain or other noticeable problems. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, here are a few signs that you may need to schedule an appointment.

You Have persistent Bad Breath

If you find that you’re constantly having to mask your bad breath with gum or mints, it could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line, which can lead to irritation, inflammation, and infection. In addition to causing bad breath, gum disease can also lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated promptly.

Your Gums are swollen or tender

Another sign of gum disease is swollen or tender gums. If your gums are red or inflamed, it could be a sign that you have gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing or flossing regularly. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

You Have Sensitive Teeth o Pain

Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of different things, including tooth enamel erosion and exposed root surfaces. If hot or cold food and drinks make your teeth hurt or if you have sensitive teeth when you brush or floss, you should see a dentist so they can determine the cause of your sensitivity and recommend treatment options.

Tooth Filling Procedure

Anaesthesia: We administer local anaesthesia for a comfortable experience.
Decay Removal: Specialised tools are used to remove decay and clean the area.
Filling Application: The cavity is filled and shaped to match your tooth’s natural contours.
Curing: For composite resin fillings, a special light hardens the material.
Final Adjustments: We ensure proper alignment and polish the filling for a natural look.

Once done with the procedure, your dentist will advise you on proper oral hygiene to care for tooth fillings and ensure their longevity. You can prevent the formation of new cavities with regular and proper brushing and flossing to keep the current fillings’ top shape. Your dentist at Galway Dentists will also advise you to cut back on sugary foods and beverages.

Galway Dentists

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Open Hours

Galway Dentists, your #1 choice Dental Clinic in Galway

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Tooth Fillings

01. What to expect after having tooth fillings?

You may experience sensitivity and pain, but it’s normal. Additionally, you can feel different regarding your bite. Some patients also experience temperature sensitivity when eating hot/cold food and drinks. If the filling is for a deep cavity, you may feel pain when biting down on the filling or chewing food. Don’t worry because the pain should be gone within two weeks as your gum heals. Nevertheless, you don’t need to panic if you feel sensitive after the treatment. Contact your Galway Dentists at 091582222 for more information.

02. Dental Fillings Fact

Fillings are one of the best therapeutic techniques for repairing cavity-damaged teeth by removing the teeth’ decayed parts and then filling the space with a filling material. It can prevent decay from spreading while bringing back your teeth’ normal function and appearance.

Types of dental fillings

The following are the types of tooth fillings to choose from and that your dentist may recommend.

Amalgam fillings

which have been used for over a century, are made from a combination of metals such as copper, tin, mercury, and silver. These fillings are cost-effective and durable and can deal with biting forces.

Composite resin fillings

are from a mixture of glass or plastic and are highly customisable in colour, blending with one’s natural tooth. Composite resin tooth fillings are a popular choice because they also look great.

Gold Fillings

are uncommon but can last for decades. These tooth fillings have a distinct appearance, so they may not be suitable for visible teeth.

Ceramic Fillings

Fillings are made from ceramic or porcelain and can match your teeth’s natural colour. These fillings are often used when tooth decay affects a large portion of the tooth and can offer a beautiful appearance and durability.

I visited Dentist Michael Donnelly this week. As I am someone who is nervous about visiting the dentist I was not looking forward to seeing Michael at all , but to my surprise he was extremely helpful and made the experience easy and painless. Michael and his dental nurse were very polite and I am looking forward to my next dental visit.

Sean Moran
January 19, 2018
Excellent service and treatment.

jinu thomas
January 19, 2021
I would like to thank Dr. Eilis for her great work. She is extremely informative and always puts you at ease - even first thing on a Monday morning! I would highly recommend this dentist. I have already referred a family member and will be sending other friends/family her way.

Fergal Hynes
January 19, 2018
I have visited so many dentists in Galway, mainly because I am a very nervous patient. I could never find a dentist who had the patience and manner I needed to get me to come back for the next appointment, until I discovered Dr. Eilis O'Hagan. She is exceptional - both for her expertise and character. She is second to none and I have certainly done the research. I recommend her to all my friends and family 🙂

Mary Magrath
January 19, 2018