Fillings are common for many of our patients. We use fillings to restore a tooth which has been damaged by decay. Our goal is to reinstate normal shape and function. How do we do this? We first thoroughly clean the affected area and then fill the cleaned area with an amalgam or composite material which will prevent further tooth decay.
How do I know if I need a filling? You may notice a slight sensitivity when consuming foods with hot or cold temperatures or even sweet foods that may linger a bit. In addition to damage, we use fillings to repair broken contacts between teeth (gaps) and discolored teeth.
Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings
There are pros and cons to both amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth colored) fillings. While our office uses both materials, we will always discuss the options with patients first in order for them to make the best educated decision.
If during your routine check-up we determine you need a filling, we'll schedule you for a follow-up appointment. At that time, we'll start by taking your blood pressure and reviewing any allergies you may have. Then we'll numb the effected area, repair the affected area and discuss post-op instructions. While no one looks forward to the procedure, we do our best to make you as comfortable as possible.
Occasionally a filling may come out. We recommend that if this happens you alert or office as soon as soon as possible so we can determine why and how to fix it. And in the event the damage is too severe, we'll discuss with you the alternatives with may include (but not limited to) crowns, root canals or extractions.