Dental Fillings
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is most often used to replace an area of decay in one or more teeth. Tooth decay, or cavities, often occurs due to poor oral hygiene. Some patients are simply more susceptible to decay than others, so they may need additional treatment to help protect against cavities. If you have a cavity, it is important to have the decay removed before it is able to fully compromise the tooth. The most common type of filling used today uses composite resin material, which is tooth-colored and more natural-looking.
Why would Dental Fillings be needed?
The most common reason for requiring a filling is because you have one or more cavities. If a cavity is ignored and left untreated, the decay will eventually make its way down into the center of the tooth. At this point, a root canal is necessary and a filling alone is no longer sufficient. Before the decay gets to this point, it can be removed and a tooth-colored filling put into its place.
Who is a candidate for Dental Fillings?
To determine if you may need a new filling, we will perform an examination and use special dental tools to find areas of decay. Oftentimes, a cavity looks like a white or dark spot on the teeth and when the sharp dental tool touches it, it will be soft and spongy rather than hard and solid. We are able to place multiple fillings during the same appointment, if they are within the same area of the mouth. Fillings can be beneficial for both our adult and pediatric patients.
What happens during the Dental Filling procedure?
The procedure will begin with a local anesthetic used to numb the area completely. We then remove the decay from the tooth. The hole that is left behind is prepared for the new tooth-colored filling. We match composite resin filling material to the tooth before placing it inside of this hole. The material is smoothed into place and any excess will be removed. The filling is cured with a bright light several times before you’re ready to leave the office with a healthy, new smile.
If you think you might need a filling and want to schedule an appointment, call the office today to speak with one of our trained professionals.
