A filling is a restorative option that works to replace areas in a tooth that have decayed. If you have a cavity, you’ll be advised to have a filling placed. Not only does the filling replace the small hole that is created during the procedure to remove the cavity, but it looks and feels like a normal part of your tooth. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and matched perfectly with your existing dentition.
Composite dental fillings, also called white dental fillings, are a popular material for dental fillings. These materials are very aesthetic and give excellent results. Composite dental fillings have come a long way since their inception and are a treatment of choice for small to moderately sized dental cavities. Composite fillings are also one of the best alternatives to amalgam fillings. At Carrollton Smiles we promote an Amalgam Free dental practice.
Gold is an excellent material for dental fillings. Be aware that most dental insurance companies do not offer benefits for gold dental fillings and sometimes it is cost prohibitive for patients. Gold is very stable and bacteriostatic so it is a very biologically compatible dental filling material.
Silver amalgam dental fillings are a choice for taking care of your cavities, but our dentists at Carrollton Smiles recommend composite or gold fillings and no longer provide amalgam fillings. Although silver amalgam dental filling material has been in use for over 100 years, recent concern of heavy metal toxicity and mercury leakage lead most family dentists and dental patients to shy away from silver amalgam dental fillings.
Our dentists are experienced in protocols for safe mercury removal. We follow best practices for mitigating mercury vapor exposure to our patients and our staff.
To place a filling, only local anesthetic is needed. For very small cavities, we may not need to use any anesthetic at all. The procedure is ideal for both pediatric and adult patients who have cavities. Dr. B can even place several fillings at the same appointment if they are on the same side of your mouth.
Most often, a filling will be necessary if you have a cavity. While children and teens are more susceptible to tooth decay, it is still incredibly common for adults to get cavities as well. When a cavity is found, We will schedule an appointment for you to have the procedure done. The procedure removes the decay from the tooth, preventing it from becoming worse and causing the need for a root canal or full extraction.
Local anesthetic is administered before the filling procedure starts. The decay is carefully removed from the tooth. The cavity is then restored using the restorative material that is ideal for you. The filling material is then placed in the prepared cavity and the tooth is restored to its original shape and contour. If composite or white filling material is used, We use a specialized curing light to cure the material. The resin is then hardened with a specialized curing light. Your new filling will last for many years with proper care and routine checkups at Carrollton Smiles.
If you need a dental filling or would like to inquire more about this procedure, call our office now and our staff members can work to answer your questions.
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If you are having a dental emergency, please contact us and schedule a consultation.
