Dental Fillings
What is a Dental Filling
A dental filling is a common restoration that replaces areas of decay in a tooth. Cavities can affect patients of all ages and some people are more susceptible to tooth decay regardless of how well they take care of their teeth. We use composite resin fillings to match the color of your tooth so that no one will know you have fillings but you and the dental team. Fillings are important in that they replace areas that decay has been removed.
Why are Dental Fillings necessary?
A dental filling is often necessary if you have one or more cavities. Cavities can form as a result of poor oral hygiene, a high sugar diet or just because you’re more susceptible to developing tooth decay. Treating tooth decay early on is important in improving your oral health as it prevents the cavity from getting worse. When a cavity is ignored, the decay can get to the point that either a root canal or extraction is needed.
Who's a candidate for Dental Fillings?
Patients of all ages are good candidates for dental fillings. Fillings can be placed on any and every tooth that has a cavity. Composite fillings are long-lasting restorations and can last for years and even decades without needing replacement. Over time, your fillings may need to be replaced if they become cracked or worn.
What occurs during the Dental Filling procedure?
For most fillings, we’ll administer a local anesthetic injection to numb the area. We begin by removing any decay from the tooth and prepping the tiny hole for the actual filling. Before placing the filling, we color match the material to your tooth so that it blends seamlessly. We then place the material, smooth it in place and harden it with a specialized curing light. For multiple cavities, we can place several fillings at the same appointment if they’re in the same area.
If you think you might need a filling or want to replace an older one, call us now and we will answer any questions you might have concerning this procedure.