Once a tooth has been compromised by tooth decay, the damaged structure of the tooth should be removed and filled with a dental filling to restore it. Here at Dental Pointe in Naperville, IL, our dentists, Dr. Rani Seeth, Dr. Fariha Querishi, and Dr. Matthew Manious, regularly use fillings to save decayed teeth and restore their original function and appearance.
What Exactly is a Dental Filling?
After tooth decay has taken root inside a tooth, left untreated, it will continue damaging more of the tooth structure and cause pain. A dental filling is the most practical solution for repairing this damage and keeping bacteria from accessing the tooth further. Dental fillings are fabricated from various materials and utilized for restoring any tooth.
What Materials Are Dental Fillings Made Of?
- Composite Dental Fillings: Crafted from resin composites, these are the most popular fillings because they look the closest to natural teeth. Also known as tooth-colored dental fillings, the resin material used is malleable and soft, so they can be easily shaped to precisely fit a cavity. The final result will be colored to exactly match your tooth.
- Gold Dental Fillings: These are very durable and long-lasting. While they don’t match the shade of natural teeth, they’re still used today, most particularly on molars because of their ability to withstand pressure.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Although these are still used today, fewer and fewer dentists use them because patients don’t like their dark appearance, which easily stands out inside the mouth. Amalgam is a combination of metal alloys, hence, the dark color.
- Porcelain Dental Fillings: More commonly known as inlays and onlays, these are typically preferred when there’s not enough tooth structure left. Inlays are used inside the teeth, while onlays are used outside the teeth. They also preserve more tooth structure when compared with a crown and help make the weakened tooth stronger.
What’s The Dental Filling Procedure Like?
To start, your dentist in Naperville, IL, will ensure your comfort by applying a local anesthetic on your tooth and its surrounding area. Next, the decayed structure will be removed, while making sure to leave as much of the healthy, real tooth structure intact. The cavity is then cleaned thoroughly, dried, and filled with a dental filling. Once it hardens, your dentist will make some adjustments to it to ensure that it will feel and look just like your real tooth.
Need More Information or Have Questions About Dental Fillings? Contact Us
Dial (630) 333-9571 to set an appointment here at Dental Pointe in Naperville, IL, with your dentist, Dr. Rani Seeth, Dr. Fariha Querishi, or Dr. Matthew Manious, today.