If you’ve been told you need a dental filling, you may be surprised to learn that you have options. While traditional amalgam fillings have been used for decades, tooth-colored fillings have become the preferred choice for many patients. Beyond blending in with your natural teeth, these modern fillings offer several functional advantages that support long-term oral health.

For many people, the idea of a dental cleaning brings up one common concern: Will it hurt? The short answer is that routine teeth cleanings are generally not painful. However, everyone’s mouth is different, and your experience can depend on several factors. Understanding what happens during a cleaning and what may cause discomfort can help ease anxiety before your appointment.