What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restoration that is specifically used to fill in an area of one or more teeth that have become decayed, broken or worn. Dental decay, known as a cavity, can infiltrate a tooth and cause it to become weak. Over time, the decay essentially dissolves the calcium from the tooth causing a cavity. Before the decay is allowed to get to this point, it's removed and replaced with filling of an appropriate material.
Why might a Dental Filling be needed?
If you ignore a cavity long enough, the tooth decay and the bacteria may reach the pulp of the tooth necessitating a root canal. This can cause the tooth to become weakened over time. In order to essentially protect the tooth and get rid of the underlying decay, we recommend having a filling placed. Fillings are simple restorations that can be matched to the color of your existing smile.
Who is a candidate for Dental Fillings?
In many cases, you won't know you have a cavity until you come in for an exam. During the exam, special instruments are used to look for dark areas or soft spots in a tooth. X-rays further help us in identifying these trouble areas. If you have a cavity, it's recommended that it be filled sooner rather than later.
What happens during the Dental Filling process?
We first numb the area of the mouth needing the filling is numbed with local anesthesia. The decay is removed from the tooth completely. The next step is to prepare the tooth for the new filling.
If you think you might need a dental filling and want to know more about the procedure, call our office today and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help.