Dental Fillings
General Dentistry
We are committed to helping our patients maintain and enhance their smiles. One of the key services we offer to achieve this goal is Dental Fillings. In this section, we break down what Dental Fillings are, how they can help, and what the process entails.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in dentistry, used to restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and shape. They help to fill cavities, or holes, that have been caused by tooth decay, thereby preventing further damage and preserving your natural teeth.
Fillings come in a variety of materials, including composite resin (which can be matched to your natural tooth color), porcelain, gold, and amalgam (a mixture of metals). The type of filling used will depend on various factors like the extent of repair, where the filling is needed in your mouth, and your personal preferences.
How Dental Fillings Can Help
The primary role of dental fillings is to halt the progression of tooth decay and protect your teeth from further damage. When left untreated, cavities can lead to severe toothache, infection, and even tooth loss. By filling the cavity, we not only stop decay in its tracks but also strengthen the structure of the tooth, enabling it to function normally.
Additionally, dental fillings can help improve your overall oral health by preventing bacteria and food particles from lodging in the cavities, which can lead to further decay. They also help maintain the aesthetics of your smile, especially when we use materials like composite resin or porcelain that match your natural tooth color.
The Process
The process of getting a dental filling is straightforward and typically completed in one visit.
After numbing the area around the tooth to ensure your comfort, Dr. Ash will remove the decayed tooth material using specialized tools. Once all decay has been removed, Dr. Ash will clean the cavity to prepare it for the filling.
Depending on the type of filling used, the process may vary slightly. For instance, with composite fillings, after the cavity has been cleaned, the tooth-colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened, or cured, with a special light before the next layer is added. Once all layers are in place, the filling is shaped to fit your tooth and polished to prevent staining and early wear.
