Dental Fillings
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a restoration that replaces areas in a tooth that have become decayed. If you have one or more cavities, the decay will be removed and a composite resin (tooth-colored) filling will be put in its place. Fillings are essential for stopping the spread of decay, which can lead to the eventual need for a root canal. They typically last for many years before replacement may be needed.
Why are Dental Fillings needed?
Most often, a filling is needed because you have a cavity. The decay in the tooth is carefully and fully removed before the actual filling is placed. We recommend having fillings placed as soon as a cavity is discovered. This prevents the cavity from getting bigger, requiring a larger filling or a complete root canal.
Who is a good candidate for Dental Fillings?
We will perform an examination to determine if you have a cavity. In some cases, x-rays are needed to further identify areas of decay prior to a filling being done. Fillings can be easily placed for both pediatric and adult teeth. They are essential for stopping the spread of decay and preventing future oral issues.
What happens during the Dental Filling procedure?
A local anesthetic helps to numb the area receiving the filling. We work to remove the decay from the tooth and prep the hole for the new filling. Composite resin is then placed inside this small hole and smoothed out. We cure the filling so that it cannot move or shift out of place. Once the filling is cured, you’re ready to leave the office knowing your tooth is healthy and free of decay. If you have multiple cavities in the same area, we can place several fillings at the same time. This saves you from having to make multiple trips into the office, or forgoing treatment altogether because you have too many fillings to place.
If you think you might need a filling and want to come into the office for an exam, call us today and we can help answer all of your questions.
