What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings restore the strength of an area on a tooth that’s experienced decay and stop the progression of that decay so you can keep the tooth.
Brite Dental Spa may recommend fillings for teeth that have ground down due to teeth clenching or grinding, as well. Fillings also repair small chips.
What should I expect during a dental filling appointment?
Using the most up-to-date technology, a dental filling takes about one hour. During this appointment, a team member takes digital X-rays to check for progression of decay or additional decay. The dentist numbs the tooth to be treated and the surrounding area.
A handheld drill removes the decayed area of your tooth. The dentist then applies the filling material and uses a special light to harden the filling, so it’s ready to function right away. The dentist also files it down, so it feels like your natural tooth.
What materials fill cavities?
At Brite Dental Spa, the team chooses to use the highest quality tooth-colored options for fillings. The material itself is safe and made of a composite or porcelain. These naturally shaded options are aesthetically pleasing but still functional, durable, and long-lasting.
Should I get a dental filling even if my tooth doesn’t hurt?
If you have a completely healthy tooth with no wear and tear or decay, you, of course, don’t need a filling. However, small cavities often don’t show up with symptoms but can still benefit from a filling.
If you have decay or cracks but don’t get the tooth filled, it’s likely to cause complications, including:
- Further decay
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth loss
If the cavity grows and affects a larger amount of your tooth, repair becomes more extensive, involved, and costly.
Are dental fillings permanent?
Dental fillings last many years, even decades, but aren’t considered permanent. They may need to be replaced every so often, depending on the wear-and-tear your restoration undergoes. For example, if you grind your teeth, fillings wear out faster. Using a night guard can protect your fillings and their lifespan.
It’s also important to replace worn fillings because food particles and bacteria can get under the filling and cause decay and infection.
If you suspect you might have cavities and need a filling, call Brite Dental Spa, or schedule an appointment online.
