What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings treat cavities, cracks, and other kinds of tooth damage. Fillings are a simple but effective dental procedure. Most people have at least one filling.
Fillings are common because cavities are common. Cavities develop when bacteria create tiny holes in the enamel (the surface) of your teeth. The cavities expose the inner layers of your teeth, often causing pain and sensitivity. If they’re left untreated, cavities and decay will get worse.
Fillings effectively treat cavities. They remove bacteria and seal off the hole. Getting a filling stops decay from getting worse, and it can eliminate related symptoms.
Do I need dental fillings?
It’s essential to have all cavities treated. Untreated cavities destroy your teeth, but a filling stops the decay and restores your tooth’s strength.
Cavities start small, so you could have one without knowing it. Getting regular dental cleanings is the best way to find out if you have cavities. Sometimes, though, cavities cause noticeable symptoms like:
- Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods/drinks
- Pain when biting down
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Surface stains on a tooth
Along with treating cavities, fillings can be used in other dental restorations. Fillings can repair cracked, weak, or broken teeth. They can also repair damage from habits like teeth grinding or nail-biting.
What happens at dental filling appointments?
Most dental fillings are done in just one office visit. Dr. Hwang uses an intraoral scanner to evaluate the extent of your tooth decay, sometimes taking digital X-rays with an intraoral sensor.
The team thoroughly cleans your tooth, removing the areas affected by decay. They fill the hole with filling material and shape it to fit your bite.
Fillings can be made of composite resin, porcelain, or metal. Depending on the material used, the team cures (hardens) it. You’re then free to go about your day.
There’s no downtime after getting a filling. There’s no special care required. All you need to do is brush and floss daily and keep up with your routine dental cleanings.
Dental fillings protect and restore your teeth. To schedule your next appointment at Smile for Miles Dental, call the office today or book an appointment online.
