Restoring Decay Dental Fillings for Healing
A dental filling is a material used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, restoring its appearance and function. While it may seem counterintuitive to drill a hole for a filling, it is necessary to remove decay that cannot heal on its own. By addressing the decay first, we can prevent further damage to the tooth in the future.
What Is Dental Filling?
Fillings are necessary to fill cavities, which are small holes caused by bacterial acids that have eroded your tooth. If cavities are not treated, they can worsen and cause further damage to your tooth, potentially leading to its destruction. Fillings stop the decay process, saving your tooth and avoiding additional expenses and discomfort in the long run.
What Kinds of Filling Materials Can Be Used?
There are various materials available for dental fillings, with the choice depending on factors such as the condition of your tooth, desired appearance, and budget. Your dentist will always aim to select the option that best restores the look and function of your tooth.
Common filling materials include gold, amalgam (silver), composite resin, and porcelain. While metal fillings used to be used on back teeth for durability, these days composite resin fillings are most commonly used for most restorations. Our office typically uses advanced tooth-colored materials such as composite resin or porcelain for fillings, especially on front teeth where a natural appearance is important. Ultimately, the choice of filling material will be made through a discussion between you and your dentist.
Overview of the Procedure
The dental filling procedure is a common and straightforward treatment. To begin, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, if needed. For small fillings, numbing may not be necessary, but please don't hesitate to discuss any concerns with the dentist.
Next, the decay will be removed using a drill. The dentist may also shape the tooth to ensure a proper fit for the filling and may use an acid gel to help the filling adhere better. If resin is used for the filling, a special bright light may be used to harden it. Finally, the tooth will be polished to achieve a smooth and shiny finish like the rest of your teeth.
