Fillings
Dental Fillings
Have a cavity? Don’t worry; your aren’t alone. Dental decay, better known as cavities, is the most common health condition in the world. Ninety-one percent of Americans over 20 years old have had cavities at some point. Cavities are formed when bacteria found in plaque make acid that creates holes in the teeth. It is best to treat the cavity while it is still small. A small- or medium-sized cavity can be fixed with a filling. Your dentist can detect cavities early during your 6 month checkup. The part of the tooth that was damaged by the bacteria can never grow back, that is why it is essential to treat the cavities early.
Left untreated, cavities can cause severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss. If the cavities progress to the pulp or innermost portion of the tooth, a filling can no longer be done, and you will need a root canal.
Learning about the process can help you feel more at ease during your appointment. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a filling:
What to Expect When Getting a Filling
The purpose of the filling is to prevent the cavities from getting larger. This is done by removing the cavities from the tooth and replacing the part of the tooth that was removed with filling material.
First, the dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gums to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Next, the dentist will use a handpiece to remove the decay, or cavities, from the tooth to ensure that the cavities do not spread any further. Then, your dentist will fill in the damaged part of the tooth that was removed using a filling material. At Lignum Dental, we use a tooth-colored filling material called composite resin. Finally, your dentist will mold the filling to the shape of your tooth.
Sometimes teeth are more sensitive to things like cold drinks and air temperature after a filling. This is normal and should go away over time.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
While there are many types of materials used for fillings, here at Lignum Dental, we use tooth-colored or composite fillings because they are durable and long-lasting. Composite fillings are ideal for matching the natural color of your teeth. These fillings are made from quartz filler and glass. Less drilling of the tooth is required when doing a composite filling.
