Dental Fillings

It all starts with a consultation, during which we carefully examine your tooth with digital X-rays. This thorough assessment allows us to understand the extent of the issue and ensure we don’t “undertreat” your problem. Sometimes, a minor cavity on the surface can hide more extensive decay or damage underneath.

If only a filling is needed, the procedure is painless and fast, requiring only a single appointment. The dentist starts by numbing your gums with local anesthetics to eliminate pain or sensitivity. In some cases, anesthesia isn’t necessary for surface cavities.

Once you are comfortable, the doctor gently removes the decayed portion before sanitizing the area to eliminate all traces of harmful bacteria. Then, we’ll apply layered composite material to your tooth and sculpt it to match your tooth contours. The doctor will then harden your restoration using a special curing light. The final step is to reshape and polish your tooth to achieve a comfortable fit and natural appearance. 

After the procedure, you can resume your everyday activities. However, you should avoid chewing gum or eating hot foods until the anesthesia wears off, which takes about two hours. Otherwise, you risk burning or biting your cheeks or tongue.

Dental fillings are a solid way to keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, not all fillings are created equal. Composite fillings should only be considered because of their numerous benefits.

Some include:

• Discreetness: White fillings are colored like your natural teeth. That means they blend perfectly with your smile, creating a seamless appearance.  
• Conservative: Placing composite fillings is simple. The dentist only removes a small amount of the enamel, leaving the natural structure intact. Preserving as much of your healthy tooth maintains its structural integrity for many years. 
• Safety: Amalgam fillings contain mercury, one of the most toxic materials known to man. Our fillings are created from non-toxic materials, providing a safe tooth restoration.
• Durability: Composites are famous for their aesthetics, but they are also long-lasting. White fillings can last well over a decade. However, your filling’s longevity depends on its location, oral hygiene, dietary choices, and poor oral habits like bruxism. 
• Strong bond: Composite fillings bond directly with your tooth to improve its structural integrity. A strong bond also creates an airtight seal, leaving no fault lines or cracks that can be infiltrated with harmful bacteria.