The dental filling procedure typically lasts about an hour and is minimally invasive. Our dentist in Princeton will begin by cleaning your mouth and numbing the area to be treated. Once your mouth is numb, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove any decayed or damaged enamel from your tooth, followed by cleaning and disinfecting the tooth.

After preparing the tooth, Dr. Khanani will select a composite material that matches your tooth color. This material will be applied layer by layer to restore the natural structure and appearance of your tooth. A curing light will be used to harden the resin. Finally, the filling will be trimmed, adjusted, and polished to ensure it looks and feels perfect.

Over time, dental fillings will eventually deteriorate as they wear down, detach from the tooth, and may result in additional decay if not replaced. The lifespan of a filling can vary from 10-30 years depending on the type of material used.

If you are uncertain about the condition of your old dental fillings, please schedule a consultation at Khanani Family Dental. It can be challenging to determine on your own if a filling is failing, but Dr. Khanani can carefully examine your fillings and conduct x-rays to evaluate their status.

If replacement is deemed necessary, the procedure is simple. Following numbing and cleaning of your mouth, Dr. Khanani will remove the old filling in sections, clean and prepare the tooth, and then insert a new tooth-colored filling to enhance your smile.

We specialize in using composite dental fillings at Khanani Family Dental, which are a durable blend of resin and glass particles. These fillings are natural-looking, long-lasting, and can typically last between 5-8 years, with proper care potentially lasting a decade or more.

To ensure the longevity of your dental filling, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Decay around or underneath the filling can cause premature filling failure, so it is essential to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of tap water.

Regular visits to Dr. Khanani every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning are crucial. During these appointments, Dr. Khanani will check your teeth and fillings to ensure everything looks good. If any issues are detected, such as a filling peeling away, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to provide the necessary treatment to keep your tooth healthy.