TMJ Treatments

A Dental Filling Is A Restoration

What are Fillings?

A dental filling is a restoration that is specifically designed to fill in an area of a tooth that’s become decayed. Cavities and tooth decay can become a real problem, leaving small areas of damage in one or more of your teeth. If you have a cavity, the decay needs to be removed so that it does not get worse. Once the decay is removed, we carefully fill the small hole with a tooth-colored composite resin filling.

The Most Common Reason For Needing A Filling

Why would Fillings be needed?

The most common reason for needing a filling is because you have one or more cavities. Cavities, or areas of tooth decay, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, lack of flossing, eating a diet high in sugar or simply being more susceptible to them. If you do have a cavity, the best way to prevent the decay from getting worse is to remove it and place a filling in the hole that’s been created. Fillings can often last for many years before they’ll need to be replaced.

Who is a candidate for Fillings?

We can determine if you need a filling with a simple dental examination. We may take x-rays to find hard-to-spot cavities that are in between your teeth. If you do have one or more cavities, it is essential that you have the decay removed before it gets worse. A cavity that is ignored can easily become a problem, eventually leading to the need for a root canal.

We Can Determine If You Need A Filling With A
The Filling Procedure Begins With Anesthetic To

What happens during the Filling procedure?

The filling procedure begins with anesthetic to help numb one area of the mouth. We then remove the entire area of decay and prep the small hole for the new filling. Composite resin is packed inside of this hole, smoothed out and then cured with a bright light. The process is repeated for any other cavities within the mouth. You can expect the filling to last for about 10 years before it might need to be replaced completely. Fillings help to restore your smile while preventing areas of decay from getting worse.

If you think you might need a filling, call our office today and we will be happy to help answer all of your questions before scheduling for an appointment.