Dental fillings are used to fill cavities and repair broken teeth. Fillings can be done with silver amalgam or with composite resin. Amalgam restorations are strong and last a long time, but composite resin fillings are designed to match the color of your teeth. Additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings because they require multiple layers and a special light to dry and harden the material.
To restore a tooth, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the tooth. A laser or air powered hand piece will be used to remove the decayed area and your dentist will prepare the space by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. In some cases, your dentist may apply a liner for your tooth called a glass ionomer to help protect the tooth and nerve before the tooth is filled. After your restoration is complete, most dentists will polish the tooth to make it feel smooth and natural.
The procedure can vary in time and cost depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth. If you have any questions about fillings, please call our office today.
Don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions.