What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a common and effective treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay or minor injuries.
When tooth decay creates a cavity in your tooth, a dental filling helps restore the tooth’s shape, function, and strength while preventing further damage.
At our Bethlehem dental office, we understand that a healthy smile is essential for your overall well-being. That’s why we offer modern, tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing both durability and a natural appearance.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems affecting patients of all ages. As part of comprehensive general dentistry, addressing cavities promptly is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. When plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on your teeth, it produces acids that can eat away at your tooth enamel, creating small holes or cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can grow larger, causing pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Types of Dental Fillings We Offer
Dice Dental provides several types of dental fillings to meet your specific needs:
- Composite Fillings (White Fillings): These tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They blend naturally with your teeth and are ideal for visible areas of your smile. Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, requiring less removal of healthy tooth structure.
- Porcelain Fillings: Also known as inlays or onlays, these custom-made fillings are created in a dental laboratory and then bonded to your tooth. They’re highly durable and stain-resistant, making them perfect for larger cavities or replacing old metal fillings.
Many of our patients choose to replace their old metal (amalgam) fillings with tooth-colored options for a more natural-looking smile and to avoid the potential concerns associated with metal fillings. It can offer an immediate smile makeover!
What Can Dental Fillings Treat?
Dental fillings are versatile treatments that can address several dental issues:
- Cavities and tooth decay: The most common use for fillings is to repair teeth damaged by decay.
- Cipped or cracked teeth: Small chips or cracks can be repaired with fillings to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
- Worn teeth: Teeth that have been worn down from grinding (bruxism) or other habits can be built up with fillings.
- Replacing old fillings: We can replace your old, worn, or metal fillings with new, tooth-colored options.
Early treatment of cavities with dental fillings can prevent more serious dental problems down the road. That’s why regular dental check-ups with Dr. Ren and our dental care team are so important – we can catch decay early when it’s easier and less expensive to treat.
What to Expect During Your Dental Filling Procedure
Getting a dental filling is typically a straightforward, comfortable process.
First, we’ll examine your tooth and may take X-rays to determine the extent of decay. We’ll then numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
Using special dental tools, we’ll gently remove the decayed portion of your tooth. We’ll also clean the area to remove any bacteria or debris.
For composite (white) fillings, we’ll apply the material in layers, using a special light to harden each layer. We’ll then shape the filling to match your natural tooth structure and check your bite to ensure proper alignment.
Finally, we’ll polish the filling to create a smooth surface that feels natural in your mouth. With proper care, your dental fillings can last for many years.
The entire process typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after receiving a dental filling.
Benefits of Cavity Prevention and Treatment
Taking care of cavities promptly offers numerous benefits for patients of all ages.
- Prevents Pain: Treating decay early helps prevent the pain associated with advanced tooth decay.
- Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Fillings allow us to save your natural tooth structure rather than requiring more extensive treatments like crowns or extractions.
- Cost-Effective: Addressing decay with a filling is much more affordable than waiting until you need a root canal or tooth replacement.
- Maintains Your Smile’s Appearance: Tooth-colored fillings ensure your smile stays natural-looking and beautiful.
- Improves Overall Health: Preventing the spread of dental infections protects not just your oral health but your overall health as well.
Regular dental check-ups at Dice Dental, combined with good home care (brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and using fluoride toothpaste), can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities in the first place.