Dental fillings have come a long way from what they used to be. Gone are the days of silver or metal-based fillings that stand out when you smile. We use a natural shade of composite to fill cavities.
You are probably somewhat familiar with the purpose of a filling, but may not be aware that there are different types of restorations available to address specific issues with your smile. We will cover these more in depth below.
Why Do I Get Cavities?
Our mouth is full of billions of bacteria. You eat and drink various foods and beverages everyday. When you consume something, it remains on the surface of your teeth. Bacteria that are responsible for causing decay break down these substances into acid called “plaque”. This acid wears down the surface of your tooth causing it to lose important minerals and decay.
If enough minerals are lost, the enamel of your teeth breaks down and forms a hole, commonly called a cavity, in your enamel. At this point, a filling is required to “fill” the hole and protect it from further damage.
What Types of Fillings Do You Offer?
Different types of cavities require different fillings. When you come into our office for your routine dental exam, we will use our x-ray technology to determine if you have a cavity. Based on what we discover, we might recommend one of the following procedures.
Standard Filling
You are probably familiar with a standard filling from work that has been performed on you in the past. With a standard filling, the decayed portion of your tooth is removed, and then the tooth is filled with a moldable material that matches the shade of your tooth. We will numb your mouth for the procedure so that you will experience little to no pain.
Composite Fillings
Our office offers composite fillings, known for their natural appearance. Made from a tooth-colored resin, they blend seamlessly with your teeth, effectively treating cavities while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. This option is ideal for those who prefer fillings that are less noticeable than traditional metal fillings.
Dental Inlay
You can think of an inlay as a larger filling used to fill the inside of your tooth. Inlays are typically used if the decayed portion of your tooth is extensive. We take an impression of your tooth and use it to create your restoration. Once we have the restoration, we prepare the surface of your tooth and bond the dental inlay into your tooth, effectively filling it.
Dental Onlay
A dental onlay is similar to an inlay, except that it is used to replace the cusp, or chewing side, of your tooth. To perform this procedure we take an impression of your tooth and create a restoration that covers the necessary surfaces of your tooth.
Dental Sealant
Dental sealants create an invisible barrier that helps to protect your teeth from bacteria that can cause decay. Sealants can be useful if you have deep grooves in your teeth or you frequently struggle with cavities. Ask about whether you can benefit from a sealant the next time you are in our office!
What Is the Purpose of a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are the most commonly performed procedure in dentistry. The purpose of a dental filling is to remove the infected portion of your tooth and seal with a composite resin material to restore the damaged portion of your tooth.
What Materials Do You Use for Your Dental Fillings?
We use state-of-the-art composite resin material that matches the shade of your smile. By using a material like this, we are able to restore your oral health and achieve a natural appearance.
Protect Your Teeth From Further Damage
Dental fillings play an important role in removing tooth decay before it has the opportunity to develop into something worse. If you suspect that you have a cavity, make sure to contact our office for an appointment. We’ll perform an examination of your teeth and help determine the appropriate next steps.
