Dental fillings are a common and effective treatment we use 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. It also prevents further tooth damage.
At our Bethlehem dental office, we understand that a healthy smile is important for your overall well-being. We offer modern, tooth-colored dental fillings in Bethlehem, PA.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems affecting patients of all ages. We treat cavities as part of our general dentistry services to maintain your 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. These acids can create small holes, called cavities, in your teeth. Untreated cavities can grow larger and cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Benefits of Cavity Prevention and Treatment
Taking care of cavities offers many benefits for patients of all ages. Cavities can start small, but can lead to pain, infection, and more serious dental problems if left untreated. Treating and preventing cavities can:
- Prevent Pain: Treating cavities early helps prevent the discomfort and pain that often come with advanced tooth decay. When decay reaches the inner part of your tooth, it can cause sensitivity or even severe toothaches. Early treatment keeps your teeth healthy and helps you avoid the stress of emergency dental visits.
- Preserve Your Natural Tooth: Fillings allow us to save as much of your natural tooth as possible. When we repair a cavity, we can often avoid more extensive treatments like crowns or extractions. Preserving your natural teeth helps maintain your bite so you can chew properly.
- Lead to Cost-Effective Care: Fixing cavities early is much more affordable than waiting until you need a root canal or tooth replacement. Minor treatments like fillings are quicker and less expensive than major procedures. Early care can save you time and money.
- Maintain Your Smile’s Look: Tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This ensures your smile stays bright and attractive even after treatment. You can have healthy teeth without sacrificing the look of your teeth.
- Improve Your Health: Preventing the spread of dental infections protects not just your teeth, but your whole body. Untreated cavities can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The spread of inflammation may affect your heart, immune system, and other parts of your body.
Regular dental check-ups at DICE Dental and good home care can reduce your risk of developing cavities in the first place. We also recommend routine care helps catch problems early and keeps your teeth strong.
Types of Dental Fillings at DICE Dental
We provide several types of dental fillings to meet your specific needs. Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. Also known as white fillings, they blend naturally with your teeth and are best for visible areas of your smile. Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth and require less removal of healthy tooth structure.
Porcelain fillings are also known as inlays or onlays. We work with a local dental lab to create custom-made fillings and then bond them to your tooth. They’re highly durable, stain-resistant, and 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. White fillings blend in with the color of your teeth and replacing metal fillings can also reduce tooth sensitivity.
What Can Dental Fillings Treat?
We provide fillings for damaged and infected teeth. The most common problems fillings can treat include:
- Cavities and Tooth Decay: We can repair teeth damaged by decay. When a cavity forms, the tooth can become sensitive, painful, or even infected if left untreated. A filling removes the decay and restores the tooth’s strength and function. It also helps prevent more serious problems like root canals or tooth loss.
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Small chips or cracks can happen from accidents, biting hard foods, or natural wear over time. Fillings can repair these damaged areas, restoring the tooth’s shape and making it easier to chew. Fixing chips and cracks also helps prevent further damage and reduces the risk of pain or infection.
- Worn Teeth: Your teeth can lose their natural shape if you grind them. Fillings can rebuild these worn areas to restore proper bite and chewing ability. Strengthening worn teeth can also help protect them from further damage.
- Replacing Old Fillings: Fillings can become worn, cracked, or discolored over time. We can replace old metal or damaged fillings with new, tooth-colored options. Updating old fillings restores proper tooth function and prevents new decay around the filling.
Your Dental Filling Procedure
Getting a dental filling is a straightforward and comfortable process. First, we’ll examine your tooth and may take X-rays to determine the extent of decay. Dr. Ren will recommend a filling if you have extensive damage.
To begin treatment, he’ll numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic for your comfort. He uses special dental tools to gently remove the decayed portion of your tooth. Dr. Ren will also clean the area to remove any bacteria or debris.
For composite (white) fillings, Dr. Ren will apply the material in layers. He uses a special light to harden each layer. Then he shapes the filling to match your natural tooth structure and checks your bite to ensure proper alignment. Finally, he’ll polish the filling to create a smooth surface that feels natural in your mouth.
Getting a filling can take between 30 minutes to an hour based on the size and location of the cavity. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
Get dental fillings from Dr. Ren, your Bethlehem, PA dentist. Call DICE Dental today at 484-917-2734. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Ren online.