Dental Fillings
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is necessary to replace an area that has decayed on one or more of your teeth. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, affecting the majority of patients coming to see us at some point in their life. Unfortunately, if left untreated, the decay can get to the point that the tooth requires either a root canal or extraction. Before it gets to this point, we can remove the decay and place a filling into the tooth.
Why would Dental Fillings be needed?
The most common reason for requiring a filling is because you have a cavity. Cavities can form for a variety of reasons. Some people develop cavities because of poor oral hygiene and eating habits, while others are simply more prone to tooth decay. Regardless of how cavities are formed, a filling is needed to prevent the decay from getting worse, further compromising the tooth.
Who is a good candidate for Dental Fillings?
To determine if you will need a filling, we’ll perform an examination, as well as take x-rays of the area. The x-rays can help us to spot cavities that would otherwise go unnoticed with a regular exam. If you have a cavity, you’re a good candidate for the filling procedure. Fillings are ideal for adult and pediatric patients alike, since they help to retain the structural integrity and strength of your teeth.
What happens during the procedure for Dental Fillings?
The first step is administering a local anesthetic to the area. We then remove all decay from the tooth and prepare the tiny hole for the new filling. We use composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings that blend well with your existing smile. The filling is smoothed and detailed so that it looks seamless with your natural tooth. The material is then hardened into place with a bright curing light. Once finished, you’ll be ready to go home and enjoy your brand new filling.
If you think you might need a filling, or want to know more about this procedure, call us now and we can help to answer all of your questions.