Fillings
Many people have fillings, often dating back to their childhood. Children are very prone to getting cavities, but anyone can get a cavity and need a dental filling as a result. If you are experiencing pain in your teeth, it may be that you need to get a filling. The professionals at Southeastern Dental Center are happy to provide you with dental fillings that last as they provide protection against dental decay.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a material that is used to restore teeth after decay has compromised the tooth enamel. Fillings are used to repair a broken tooth but can also be used to fill a cavity.
Damage from nail-biting, tooth-grinding, and cavities are all reasons why some patients must get dental fillings. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including resin (tooth-colored), porcelain, gold, and silver amalgam.
At Southeastern Dental Center, we will help you decide which type of dental filling is right for you based on the type of damage, what your insurance will pay for, your own budget, and so on.
How Is a Filling Placed?
To place a filling, your dentist will start by numbing the area. Next, your dentist will drill out any decay. Finally, your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by eliminating bacteria and debris. Once the filling has been inserted, your dentist will polish the filling to prevent it from feeling scratchy or picking up debris in your mouth.
If you are having a resin filling, your dentist will install the filling in layers and cure each layer before installing new layers. When this process is finished, the dentist will trim excess material and polish the filling.
Do Fillings Look Natural?
Some fillings look like natural-colored teeth, other fillings do not. If it is important to you to have a natural (tooth-colored) filling, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can tell you whether a natural-looking filling will fit in your budget and work for your particular needs.
What Are the Signs You Need Dental Fillings?
Often, patients can tell when there is something going wrong with their teeth. Below are signs to watch for – these can all be indications that you have a cavity and need a filling.
- Pain in the teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Hole in the tooth
- You are missing an old filling
- Bad breath
The signs above can all be an indication of a problem more severe than a cavity, so do not delay contacting the dentist. Speak with your dentist as soon as you notice signs of trouble. If you are experiencing tooth pain, you might need a filling. Call today to make an appointment.