Dental Fillings
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a restoration that helps to replace an area within a tooth that has become decayed. Tooth decay typically forms as a result of poor oral hygiene. As the plaque acids are allowed to infiltrate the tooth, you’ll experience a small cavity forming. In order to prevent the cavity from getting larger, the decay is removed and a small tooth-colored filling put into its place.
Why would Dental Fillings be needed?
The reason you’ll need a dental filling is because you have a cavity. Cavities can develop in virtually any tooth and at any age. While children are more prone to cavities, they are common among adult patients as well. The key to preserving the health of your teeth is to treat cavities as early on as possible.
Who is a candidate for Dental Fillings?
To determine if you have a cavity, we can perform an exam using a dental instrument known as an explorer. The explorer helps us to find softer areas of tooth, which could signal decay. Another way for us to spot a cavity is with a dental x-ray. The x-ray allows us to see darker areas that signal a cavity.
What happens during the Dental Filling process?
The dental filling procedure will begin with anesthetic that is used to numb your mouth. We then remove the area of decay and prep the small hole for the new tooth-colored composite filling. The resin is placed inside of the hole and cured with a bright dental light. If you need to have multiple fillings placed, we may do this at the same time if they are within the same vicinity in the mouth. Tooth-colored fillings can last for about a decade or longer, and they can be replaced as they begin to show signs of wear. If a filling has fallen out, be sure to come into the office so that it can be replaced.
If you think you might benefit from a dental filling, call our office right away to schedule an appointment for a consultation.