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No one enjoys dealing with cavities, but they need to be dealt with promptly to avoid further damage to your teeth. The team at 183 Family Dentistry provides dental fillings to fend off cavities and restore your tooth to optimal health. They use non-toxic composite fillings made from a durable, tooth-colored plastic, to improve your smile and offer a long-lasting solution to tooth decay. To learn more, call or click today and schedule your appointment at the Leander, Texas, dental practice.
A dental filling addresses tooth decay; it restores your tooth’s appearance and function. They’re often used if you’ve developed a cavity that threatens the health of your affected tooth.
After removing the decayed tooth material and thoroughly cleaning the surrounding area, a filling is placed to prevent further decay. Fillings can be made to match the shade of your natural tooth. However, their primary function is to help close off the spaces where harmful bacteria enter, which curbs the progression of a cavity.
At183 Family Dentistry, the team uses composite fillings made of non-toxic tooth-colored plastic for small and mid-sized fillings. These are the most commonly used fillings and they’re ideal for a variety of reasons:
Composite fillings can be used on both front and back teeth. This type of filling is an excellent option if you don’t want your filling to stand out and draw negative attention to your smile, as they’re very natural-looking. Other types, such as gold, don’t resemble your natural teeth.
Like your natural teeth, composite fillings are susceptible to stains from certain food and drinks, such as coffee, dark teas, and red wine. Smoking can also discolor a composite filling. Depending on how well you care for your composite fillings with good oral hygiene, they can last anywhere from 3-10 years.
First, your dentist clears out the decayed tooth material and performs a comprehensive cleaning. The treatment area must be dry and sufficiently cleaned before inserting the filling material. In some cases, your dentist will numb your teeth and gums to make the process even easier on you.
When they insert the composite material, it’s in a paste form. It seeps into the space vacated by the cleared out cavity and molds into the shape of the cavity. Your dentist then carefully applies the filling in layers, precisely placing and shaping each one, then cures the entire filling in place.
In all, a filling procedure should take no more than an hour and involve minimal discomfort.
The best way to find out if you have a cavity that requires a filling is to visit 183 Family Dentistry During your regular checkups, your dentist or a hygienist uses a small mirror to examine your teeth and assess any possible decay.
If any of your teeth raise suspicion, your provider may opt for additional tests, such as X-rays, to confirm whether or not you need a filling. The best way to avoid needing a filling is to take excellent care of your teeth through regular cleanings at the office and consistent, proper brushing and flossing at home.
To schedule your next visit to the office, call or use the online booking tool today.
