Dental Filling Having a dental filling placed is considered part of restorative dentistry, yet it is a minor dental procedure. A filling can help strengthen the tooth and restore its integrity and health when it has been damaged by decay. In some situations, the damage incurred by the tooth can be a cavity. But the vast majority are caused by trauma. Cavities can occur at a much higher rate for those patients who do not brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. They can also occur more frequently when patients eat and drink foods and beverages with a high acidic content. Placing a filling is a simple procedure and can be taken care of in 30 minutes in our office. Why not come see us today at Brian K. Dennis, DDS to find out more about fillings? When Are Fillings Necessary?If a cavity is discovered during a routine cleaning or exam, we will recommend placing a filling. A soft spot on the tooth enamel or a chipped tooth would also warrant having a filling placed. Dental fillings are designed to repair any minor tooth damage. The vast majority of filling placements are used to repair cavities, but they can also be used to repair fractures in teeth or a chipped tooth. Reasons to Get FillingsWhen cavities go untreated, they can worsen over time, causing patients to suffer through greater discomfort than necessary, and potentially leading to invasive corrective procedures. Cavities should be filled immediately because if the decay continues, it will eventually infect the interior of the tooth causing increased pain and discomfort, as well as potentially leading to the tooth becoming abscessed. In some instances, the infection can spread to the gums and the jawbone causing tooth loss. How Fillings Are PlacedA local anesthetic is used to numb the patient, so they do not feel any pain or discomfort while the filling is being placed. It is applied generously to the gum and tooth in need of treatment. Once the area is adequately numbed, we will remove all of the decay from the tooth and then place the filling. We use a malleable resin substance which stops the decay from continuing, and it is pressed it into the cleaned-out cavity. There are two different materials used to make fillings. One is known as amalgam. This material is made of several different metals and has a metallic appearance. The second type is a resin, which is easily manipulated so it holds the shape of other teeth in the patient's mouth. It can also be tinted to match the coloring of the tooth so it will not be easily noticed. How Long Do Fillings Last?Fillings can last up to 15 years when properly cared for. This means flossing and brushing twice a day and avoiding acidic foods and beverages. Patients in need of a filling placement should contact Brian K. Dennis, DDS so we can fully assess their situation. We are available by phone at 505-292-1051. |
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