Dental Fillings in Erie, PA

Dental fillings are an easy way to treat holes, or cavities, that develop in a tooth, typically as a result of tooth decay. They restore the structure and function of damaged teeth. They also help prevent further decay. Sleep Dentistry is your best option for professionally installed dental fillings in Erie, PA – a procedure we are often able to complete in well under an hour.

Common types of dental fillings in Erie, PA

Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages in terms of durability, cost, and aesthetics. Plus, if they are dental fillings for a child, then there are some materials that are more suitable than others. Your dentist will discuss the options with you and help you decide which type of filling is best for you.

Here are the most common materials used in making dental fillings in Erie, PA.

smiling couple

Composite fillings

These are tooth-colored fillings made of acrylic resin and either glass or quartz particles. They are durable but cost more than amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are natural-looking and suitable for use on both back and front teeth. This makes them a popular choice for dental fillings in Erie, PA and elsewhere. They work best in small to medium-sized cavities but take longer to install than amalgam fillings.

Gold fillings

Gold dental fillings are the most durable and most expensive type of filling. They were quite common in the past but their cost and the fact that they are not tooth-colored may have contributed to them becoming less popular. Many patients now place a good deal of emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of natural-looking teeth.

Schedule Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental fillings last?

Diligent dental hygiene can help extend the life of your fillings but, generally speaking, the lifespans of the different types of dental fillings are:

  • Gold fillings – 15 to 25 years
  • Amalgam fillings – 10 to 15 years
  • Composite fillings – 5 to 10 years
  • Ceramic fillings – 10 to 20 years
  • Glass ionomer fillings – 2.5 to 5 years
How do I know my dental fillings need replacing?

There are several indicators that your dental fillings may need replacing. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your dental fillings checked if:

  • The filling has become loose, damaged, worn, or discolored.
  • You feel a sharp pain when you bite down on food.
  • You are experiencing heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. 
  • You have had recent facial trauma in the region of your filling.
Do dental fillings hurt?

No. The treatment causes little to no discomfort from start to finish. The dentist uses numbing agents so all you may feel is a slight sting in the beginning and then some discomfort, sensitivity, and mild pain afterward as the anesthetic starts to wear off. These disappear in one to two weeks.

Why would a dentist do a temporary filling?

Temporary fillings are much easier to put in than more permanent ones. Your dentist may decide to use one:

  • As an emergency treatment if your cavity is causing you severe pain and there isn’t time to do a permanent filling.
  • To seal your tooth while dental crowns are being prepared.
  • To allow you to heal after a root canal before a permanent filling is put in.

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on January 24th, 2022 at 12:06 PM
The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

You deserve to look your best, and that includes your teeth. Teeth whitening has become more popular throughout the years, especially with the rise of at-home whitening kits. The overall health of your teeth is no longer the primary reason that people visit the dentist. Now, taking care of your teeth has just as many cosmetic benefits as it does health benefits. 

Typically, what you eat and drink is the most common reason your teeth may become discolored in the first place. Coffee, wine, tomatoes, berries, and soda can all be culprits of your yellowing teeth. Lifestyle and health habits can be a factor, too, such as smoking or failing to have a hygienic oral care routine. 

Simply put, people are tired of settling for discolored teeth. With technology advancing, and procedures like professional teeth whitening becoming faster and more efficient, you no longer have to settle.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

When you’re looking to brighten up your smile, it’s always a good idea to start by considering your options. The most popular options are in-office procedures and prescribed take-home trays. Scheduling a professional teeth whitening appointment will typically entail determining your desired shade for your teeth, followed by your dentist applying whitening agents for a longer period of time. 

Take home trays are where you come in. After your first whitening consultation, your dentist is able to determine how these take home kits can be formulated to optimally whiten your teeth. Perhaps you need a higher concentration of whitening agents, or you may need to use your kits more frequently. Either way, these can give you more comprehensive results. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening lasts longer

Teeth whitening strips can last for months, but professional treatments can last for years. The upside of going to your dentist’s office for a whitening is that the concentration of the whitening materials is much stronger than what you can access with a home kit. At Sleep Dentistry, we offer a Lifetime Whitening Program, which gives you a lifetime of pearly whites for a one-time enrollment fee of only $99. 

That being said, the cost of professional teeth whitening could potentially be less over time, especially compared to how many DIY kits you’d need to achieve the same results.

Take home trays designed for you

Many dental offices offer take home trays following a consultation for professional teeth whitening. These trays may sound just like a take-home kit, but they’re not. Take home trays are specially designed based on the results of your in-office whitening results and your desired shade of your teeth. Because these take home trays are built from a mold of your mouth, your specific whitening treatment will yield results faster and more effectively. 

Skip the tooth sensitivity

A downside of having your teeth whitened can be the sensitivity that comes with it. With professional whitening services, your dentist’s tried and true methods don’t come with the risk of harmful side effects. No need to worry if whitening agents will touch your gums, tongue, or cheek. At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our team will be attentive to your specific needs and concerns. 

Better teeth whitening results  

When you choose a dentist over a DIY kit, you’re automatically going to get better results. It’s better to trust a trained professional dentist with something as important as your teeth instead of guessing with home kits. Sleep Dentistry Erie can ensure that you get the results you're looking for faster, while also keeping your comfort and the safety of your teeth our top priority.

Trust Sleep Dentistry Erie with Your Teeth

Sleep Dentistry Erie has an experienced team of trained professionals. We’ll assemble a personalized teeth whitening treatment that’s tailored to you. We specialize in dentistry for those who have dental phobias when it comes to making their yearly check-ups. 

Consider our Lifetime Whitening Program, which is offered to our patients for a one-time fee of $99. 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT