RESTORING TEETH TO GOOD FORM AND FUNCTION

Dental fillings are used to fill tooth cavities or repair cracked or broken teeth. If you have a toothache, or if you have a damaged tooth, you should schedule a consultation at Smooth Dental Group to see if you are in need of a filling. The dentist will be able to identify if you have a cavity or if you need a filling for a broken tooth.

A filling is most commonly needed when tooth decay has caused a cavity to form on a tooth surface. If you don’t get a filling, the cavity will get worse. It may cause pain and an abscess may form. This may lead to more severe problems, such as bone loss. A filling repairs the tooth and stops tooth decay. Over time, a worn-out filling may need to be replaced.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A DENTAL FILLING?

At Smooth Dental Group, Dr. Elizabeth Tran will first give you a thorough oral examination. If you have a cavity caused by tooth decay, she will explain to you the procedure for the filling and recommend the best type of filling for you. The type of filling will depend on your individual needs.

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FILLINGS CAN BE MADE FROM MANY TYPES OF MATERIAL

The different types of fillings include:

  1. Silver amalgam: These are very widely used fillings and are made up of a mixture of different metals.
  2. Composites: These fillings are made of synthetic resins and are the same color as teeth. Composite fillings look just like part of the tooth but are not as durable as gold or silver amalgam.
  3. Porcelain: Porcelain is strong and durable and can also be matched to the color of the tooth.
  4. Gold: Made up of real gold, these fillings are strong and durable.

The procedure for filling a cavity is carried out under local anesthesia so that the patient doesn’t feel any pain. The tooth is first completely cleaned to remove all the bacteria and the filling is then placed into the cavity. The filling material hardens, making the tooth whole again.

For a cracked or broken tooth, the dentist will custom-make the filling to repair the tooth as required. Post-filling care instructions will be given to you by the dentist, which you will need to follow to ensure the best results from your dental treatment.

Contact us

To make an appointment for a dental filling or consultation, contact Smooth Dental Group at our La Habra or Santa Ana centers.