With a normal daily brushing and flossing routine and regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups, your fillings should last well over ten years.

Fillings used to be done with an alloy called ‘dental amalgam’ and had many nicknames such as “silver” and “mercury” fillings. While there is plenty of debate over the safety of amalgam fillings, according to the American Dental Association, scientific studies have not verified that dental amalgam is causing illness in the general population. So if you currently have silver fillings, don’t fear!

There are over-the-counter products available to temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage until you can make it to the dentist but they are not a permanent solution and cannot replace a professional filling. A cavity is permanent tooth damage that must be cleaned, prepared and filled by a dental professional. There are severe risks to letting dental decay continue to worsen. If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth loss and tooth abscess.

If you are experiencing severe pain that prevents you from eating or sleeping, this is considered a dental emergency and we urge you to call us right away. We can give you advice over the phone and see you as soon as possible. For temporary relief of toothache, apply a cold compress to your face over the painful area. You may be able to take the edge off your pain by taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen (ex. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (ex. Advil). Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the instructions on the bottle when taking any medication. Make a note of what medication, how much and the time it was taken so you can let us know when you come in.