Dental Fillings

When cavities or other damage affects the quality of a tooth, dental fillings are the most common restorative treatment used to address the problem. So called because they fill in holes left by cavities and decay, dental fillings can extend the lifetime of a damaged tooth. If you need a tooth filled, come see us at Covington Dental Arts right away.

The Dangers of Cavities

Though the presence of cavities is not the only reason dental fillings are called for, they are the most common. Cavities are permanent holes in teeth. They can be caused by a wide variety of different things, perhaps the most commonly cited of which is eating too much sugar. They can also form from bacterial buildup which poor dental hygiene practices make worse.

If cavities are left untreated, bacteria and debris get caught in the openings and wreak havoc, leading to further damage and even infection or decay. Catching a cavity is the best way to avoid this. Dental fillings are the most common way to prevent cavities and other tooth decay from getting worse. The treatment is efficient and affordable, but fillings do not negate the need for further dental maintenance. Without a consistent dental hygiene routine, fillings can crack and even break.

What to Expect

When dental fillings are required, the dentist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. Any tooth decay is removed by laser or drill, and the area requiring the filling is cleaned. The filling is then added in layers. After each layer is applied, it must be cured with a special light. Finally, the dentist will trim excess filling and shape it properly before polishing it.

There are several materials of which fillings can be made, including ceramic porcelain, gold, glass ionomer, composite, and silver amalgam. While silver amalgam has been used extensively in the past, composite is becoming the more common choice since it matches the color of the tooth. It is also durable and good for small restorations. Ceramic fillings are also a good choice for their natural appearance, though they are typically on the more expensive side.

Compared with other corrective dental treatments, the recovery time after a filling is relatively short. You may feel a little sore after the anesthetic wears off, but more extensive discomfort is uncommon. Dental fillings usually require a full 24 hours before they are completely cured, so your dentist will likely recommend that you refrain from chewing on the side where the filling was added for at least that amount of time.

Dental Fillings at Covington Dental Arts 

At Covington Dental Arts, we know it’s important to treat cavities and other damage first thing to prevent further damage or even infection. To this end, we offer dental fillings for both adult and pediatric patients. Adults have gotten more mileage out of their teeth and may need fillings to  repair teeth that have been worn down or even cracked or broken. On the other hand, kiddos generally have a more ardent relationship with sugar and may still be establishing strong dental hygiene routines. Either way, the need for dental fillings arises irrespective of age.

Even disregarding age, everyone is different, so we offer many different types of fillings. We want to be sure we cater to each unique situation. The material used, how we remove tooth decay, and exactly how the filling is applied will depend on your unique needs. Dr. Fry will ensure you get the right filling for you, so if you are in need of a dental filling, give Covington Dental Arts in Riverton, UT a call today.