At Spanish Springs Family Dental, we offer high-quality composite fillings made from a synthetic resin to have your filling blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. Composite fillings are long-lasting and strong, providing durable solutions to cavities and minor damage. After your procedure, the treated tooth will look indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

The longevity of your filling will depend on a variety of different factors, including the material, location and size of the filling and how well you care for your teeth. On average, a dental filling can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years.

Not usually. Before we perform a filling, our dentist will numb the area around the tooth to ease your discomfort. You may still feel numb after the treatment is done, but it should wear off within a few hours following your appointment. If you feel some discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or TYLENOL®.

After getting a filling, it is best to avoid eating or drinking anything for the first hour or two while the numbness wears off to prevent accidentally biting or injuring the numb tissue. After that, you should be able to eat and drink normally, although you may want to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages if you experience sensitivity.

You should plan to have your fillings looked at regularly by a dentist to ensure there is no damage or decay. We recommend visiting our office every six months to a year for your regular cleaning and exam. However, if you have gum disease or other serious dental concerns, you may need to visit our dentist and team more frequently.

Decay can be recognized by visible holes or pits in the tooth, dark spots or staining, tooth sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking, and a rough or uneven feeling on the tooth’s surface. Regular dental checkups and X-rays are important for detecting decay in its early stages.

A dental crown may be recommended if a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, if a large filling has failed, if a tooth has undergone a root canal, or if a tooth is cracked or fractured.

The longevity of your crown will depend on the type of material we use and how well you keep up with your dental hygiene following your visit. With good proper care, you can estimate the lifespan of your crown to be between 5 to 15 years.

To keep your dental crown in good condition, you should brush and floss daily in addition to visiting the dentist on a regular basis. You can also invest in a night guard to protect your restoration from the effects of bruxism.

Although determined on a patient-to-patient basis, X-rays are normally suggested every six to 18 months. Frequent dental exams allow your family dentist to treat problem areas before they worsen, which can result in more costly procedures. With consistent X-rays, our family dentists are able to see problem areas that are inaccessible in a simple examination. Schedule your appointment today.

Dental implants are custom tooth replacements secured into the jawbone to support a natural-looking crown, bridge or denture. These are a great option if you are tired of loose dentures or are looking to replace a tooth.

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. However, they can get damaged by trauma or gum disease, so it is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.

The process of getting dental implants typically takes several months since the implant needs time to fuse with the bone before the replacement tooth can be attached. However, this may vary from patient to patient.

Dental implants can be considered for individuals who have lost one or more teeth and possess enough bone density in their jaw to support the titanium implants. Nevertheless, certain medical conditions like unmanaged diabetes might affect the outcome of implant surgery.

Dental implants are a suitable option for many people, but the risk of rejection can increase due to factors like medical conditions or unhealthy habits. To increase success, you may also need a bone graft if we find you do not have enough bone density to support an implant.

Dentures are a removable device we use to replace a few or all of your teeth. These are made with acrylic resin but can also include metal components or porcelain for a more natural appearance.

Dentures are for any adult who is missing a few or all of their teeth. For those missing a few teeth, a partial denture is the most preferred option to keep the rest of the teeth from shifting. But if you are missing a full set of teeth, you will want to have a full denture to restore your smile and chewing capabilities.

It is hard to predict how much of the jawbone mass will remain after teeth extraction. The bone may shrink over time as a result of a lack of stimulation to the jaw, but not always. Well-fitted dentures are important to avoid unequal bone pressure. Regular visits to the dentist are essential in maintaining good oral health and making sure you have sufficient bone density.

Yes, dentures can usually be repaired if they are chipped, cracked or broken. Our dentist can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

No, you should remove your dentures before you go to sleep to allow the gum tissue to rest. This can help promote better gum health.

New dentures typically take several weeks and involve around five appointments. If you are new to wearing dentures, you may experience discomfort, and it may take some time to fully adjust to eating and speaking with them. If this is the case, you can start by consuming a diet of soft, easy to chew foods. You may also notice changes in your facial appearance and minor speech difficulties.

Yes, you should plan on annual checkups with our office to examine your dentures and oral tissues even if you have no teeth remaining. Bone shrinkage and recession can cause changes in your mouth as you age, so it is important to make sure your dentures still fit comfortably and securely. Please do not try to adjust your denture yourself or use an adhesive for an extended period. If in doubt, please contact our office.