What is a filling?
A filling is a way to restore a damaged or decayed tooth by filling the hole left by decay with a dental resin that matches the color of your teeth. Your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth, creating a space for the filling. He or she will then clean the area thoroughly and will fill the cavity. This helps prevent further decay by closing any cracks or holes where bacteria or food particles can enter. Fillings are used for teeth that have slight decay. More extensive methods may need to be used for teeth that have considerably more damage.
What types of materials are used in fillings?
At Haid Dental, we use both composite resins and porcelain fillings. Depending on your teeth and the extent of the damage, our dentist will discuss with you which option will be best. Composite resins are custom-made to match the shade and shape of your teeth. They are good for smaller cavities since they may chip when used in larger restorative techniques. They require care similar to that of your natural teeth, as they can be stained by coffee, tea, and other foods or drinks. For more extensive repairs, porcelain in-lays or onlays may be used. These restorations cover the surface of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable. Porcelain is resistant to staining or discoloration. This option is used when the damage from decay is more extensive than a composite resin can fix.
What is the procedure for a dental filling?
Most dental fillings follow the same procedure. First, your dentist will apply a topical anesthetic to the area to numb your tooth, gum, and cheek surrounding the affected tooth. Then he or she will remove the decayed part of the tooth, leaving a clean slate for the dental filling. Following this, your filling will be placed and your bite will be checked, making sure that the filling is the appropriate size and shape. The filling will then harden and the process will be complete.
