Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings | If you need a dental filling, you are not alone. A typical individual has three dental fillings, and one-quarter of Americans have as many as 11 fillings. Getting a dental filling to fill a cavity is a fairly simple process that can be performed in only one dental appointment. Let’s take a look at what is involved with getting a dental filling, particularly tooth-colored fillings.
Getting a Dental Filling
This type of dental appointment should only take around one hour. Your dentist will be taking x-rays and offering an explanation of the procedure. After the x-rays are ready, your tooth will be numbed to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. In addition, if you are not comfortable with needles, this part of the process is over very quickly, and it should go very smoothly from there.
Moreover, once your tooth is completely numb, your dentist will be using a wide range of specialized tools to remove all of the tooth decay. Once the decayed material has been completely removed, your dentist will fill the cavity with the pre-selected filling material.
Replacing Fillings
Fillings sometimes retract, even slightly, away from teeth. This forms a space that is hard to clean, potentially allowing bacteria to grow and thrive, and eventually create additional tooth decay.
Moreover, at some point, you may need to replace a dental filling because they are not expected to last for a lifetime, although they often last longer than you’d expect. One common reason for needing to have a dental filling replaced is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Your dentist will probably spot any problems with your dental fillings during your regular checkups and inform you if one or more needs replacing.
Composite Fillings
A composite resin material can be used to create a durable and resistant filling if the cavity is small to medium-sized. In addition, this makes a good choice for anyone who prefers that their dental fillings have a natural appearance.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Match color of surrounding teeth
- Can be used for either front or back teeth
- Are more expensive than amalgam fillings
In short, the process of placing a tooth-colored filling is much the same as that of a regular dental filling. However, it takes a bit longer to have a composite tooth-colored filling placed than a regular metal one. The reason is that tooth-colored fillings mean that the tooth must be dry and clean during the filling of the cavity.
Contact Us
Do you need to have a dental filling? Do you prefer dental fillings that match the color of your surrounding teeth? If so, we invite you to contact us today to request more information or to schedule an appointment or consultation.
