Giving You a Healthy & Happy Smile
Your teeth are coated in a protective top layer of enamel. Unfortunately, that enamel can be softened and degrade over time, leaving the tooth at risk of damage. Bacteria, acids, and plaque can work together to eat away at the vulnerable tooth, leaving behind a pit on its surface called a cavity.
If left untreated, cavities will grow larger and become more painful as the inner nerves of the tooth are exposed. If you start to notice sensitivity and suspect you may have a cavity, contact a Yalesville dentist who can quickly treat the cavity and have your mouth fully functional and protected once again.
Types of Dental Fillings in Yalesville
There are several materials commonly used in fillings, all of which have their own pros and cons.
Fillings may be made of:
- Amalgam: A strong and inexpensive blend of several metals often used for filling cavities in molars, where chewing takes place.
- Composite: A durable combination of materials that can be exactly matched to the color of your teeth.
- Gold or silver: Somewhat expensive, but are sometimes preferred by those who want the durability of metal without the noticeable shade of an amalgam filling.
- Ceramic: A tooth-colored material that is resistant to staining but is more expensive than some alternatives.
- Glass blend: Used to create a filling that can release fluoride over time to help protect teeth from further damage, but it is less durable than other materials.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Together, we can consider the varying strengths and colorations of the filling materials available and decide which is best for you. We may take X-rays of your mouth to get a clear picture of the cavity. Then, we will numb the relevant teeth and surrounding gums to lessen discomfort during the procedure. Next, we clean the decay from the pit in the tooth and fill the remaining crater with the filling of your choice. The process usually takes under an hour.