Dental Fillings
One of the most feared words in the dentist’s office for most people is “cavity.” However, cavities are a normal occurrence and easily fixed, usually with just a simple filling.
New technologies and numbing agents guarantee that the procedure for filling a cavity is simple, painless, and performed fairly quickly.
What are cavities, and how are they fixed?
A cavity is basically a hole that is left over after tooth decay damages part of a tooth. The hole, or cavity, usually still contains the bacteria that caused the problem in the first place. Left unchecked, the damage will continue to spread and further damage the tooth and root. Unresolved decay can also lead to severe disease
The usual practice today is to use composite resin, a tooth-colored plastic, to most effectively seal up your tooth. The days of metal and other kinds of fillings are long gone! Composite resin creates the most natural, life-like appearance to front-facing teeth, guaranteeing a happy smile.
Fillings restore the strength and structure to your damaged tooth, and special light technology, known as photo-polymerization, seals the resin to your tooth, permanently affixing the filling in place. With proper care, composite resin fillings will last 15 years or more.
While fillings are primarily used to fill in the gaps left in your teeth after decay is removed, they also have the effect of acting as a sealant. That means that the bacteria that caused the decay and damage to start with are no longer able to reach the sensitive parts of your gums and teeth.
Fillings are generally taken care of in just one short appointment. Over one lunch break, you’ll be in and out, feeling better and ready to go!
What is involved in the filling procedure?
Treating cavities always starts with a consultation with your dentist. We’ll chat about your overall oral health condition and go over any recommended treatments.
To start the filling procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to the area that is affected. Then, all damaged or decayed parts of the tooth are carefully removed and the remaining tooth is thoroughly cleaned.
Depending on the damage on your tooth, we’ll choose the appropriate filling that will be used. Once it’s applied and shaped to match the rest of your tooth, it is permanently hardened.
You’ll get some instructions on how to care for the area, and then you are on your way, nice and easy!
Time for a filling? Call us today to schedule an appointment!
