Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Tooth Loss
As a family dental office, we frequently work with parents to help them navigate the transitional period when their children lose their teeth. But when an
September 15, 2026
A dental cavity can have many causes, but the most common is damage caused by decay. Dental decay begins when bacteria from food and beverages sits on our teeth long enough to begin the demineralization process. The outermost layers of our teeth, the enamel, are deconstructed over time. This exposes the dentin and eventually the tooth pulp. Left unchecked, this can lead to infection within the tooth. In the old days, if a tooth was infected all the way down to the root, the only choice was a tooth extraction. Luckily, there are many different ways to prevent that and save the tooth. One solution is a dental filling. A dental filling is done when the decayed section of the tooth is removed and the left over gap is then filled with a synthetic material. This protects the tooth from further decay and can stop the decay from spreading either deeper into the original tooth or into the nearby teeth. If you need a dental filling, need a routine checkup, or notice something is wrong with an existing filling, we can help. With our five dental offices in the Chicago area, we provide great dental services!
It cannot go without saying how important it is to brush and floss every day. We recommend that everyone brushes at least twice per day and flosses at least once per day to make sure you prevent bacteria from harming your teeth.
While brushing and flossing are some of the best "at-home" solutions to dental decay, nothing replaces the benefits you will get at a dental office. It is recommended everyone sees the dentist twice a year to get preventative care and protection.
Aside from good oral habits there are some other ways you can protect your teeth. Avoid eating foods high in sugar or with high acidity. Avoid smoking and any habits that could damage your teeth like chewing on ice cubes.
At All Star Dental, patients and their dentists have a variety of excellent choices when it comes to the dental restoration, or filling, of worn, damaged or decayed teeth.
We can use the proven, traditional materials, such as gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam, which have the strength and durability that make them useful for situations such as dental fillings in the back teeth, where they’re basically out of sight and where chewing forces are greatest.
Or we can choose one of the newer composite types, and this lets you factor in such variables as color, performance, durability, longevity and cost.
Your All Star Dental professional will be happy to discuss the options open to you, and together we can decide on the kind of dental filling material that will be best for you.
Here at All Star Dental it is our goal to protect your kid’s teeth. We provide preventative and restorative care at all five of our dental offices. Of course, we always want to prevent problems from happening in the first place. By seeing your dentist twice every year, you are never giving bacteria and plaque more than six months. The damage done by bacteria happens over time, so seeing a dentist twice a year is often the difference between the early signs of decay, a cavity or even a root canal. Seeing your dentist provides two key benefits. Your teeth are examined for any signs of problems and your teeth are cleaned and protected to make it easier for your mouth to fight infection.
Aside from providing preventative care like fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and exams, we also provide a variety of restorative services including dental crowns and dental bridges. If you have questions about any of our services or about payment options, please give us a call or click below to schedule an appointment with our team.
Over the years, dental fillings were made out of many different materials including metal, ceramic, porcelain, and dental composites. Modern-day fillings often use composite materials that are chosen because of the combination of durability alongside the fact that they are tooth-colored which is aesthetically better than traditional materials.
If a patient has a cavity, their dentist will recommend a filling. This process starts by using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Once the anesthesia starts working your dentist will use a drill to remove the damaged parts of the tooth that have been eroded by bacteria. The divet or hole is then filled with a dental material. A curing light is used to harden the material. Your dentist will ask you to bite down so they can ensure that the filling is not causing any issues with your bite alignment.
Call a dentist right away if your filling falls out or breaks. You will need to get the dental filling replaced as quickly as possible. When a filling falls out it exposes the inside of the tooth. Bacteria can quickly lead to infection. We recommend disinfecting your mouth by using warm salt water. Put a small amount of salt into warm water and gargle it before spitting it out. This can help remove bacteria and food particles. If you are experiencing pain after your filling fell out, use a cold compress or ice pack to help decrease pain and swelling.
Sometimes patients will notice liquid coming out from near their dental filling. This is often referred to as a leaky filling. What is actually happening here is liquid getting stuck between the filling and the tooth. This is often a sign that a new cavity is forming next to the filling. When you get a filling that tooth is actually at an increased risk of recurring decay because bacteria can gather near where the filling and tooth meet. This is why it is so important to brush twice a day, floss at least once, and see your dentist twice a year. If you notice that one of your fillings is leaking, call a dentist to set up a quick appointment.
Some pressure or discomfort after getting a filling is normal. Some patients report that they feel like their gums are sore near the injection sites where they received novocaine. Additionally, it is common to feel some light discomfort after the novocaine wears off. But if the pain is severe or it continues for days after your filling, call a dentist to take a look.
As a family dental office, we frequently work with parents to help them navigate the transitional period when their children lose their teeth. But when an
Teaching your kids strong oral habits from an early age can help set them up for life. By incorporating simple dental practices into their daily routine,
As family dentists, we are here to help patients of all ages manage their oral health. We primarily work with families at our five locations throughout