What are dental fillings?

Dental tooth fillings are a corrective treatment, used to improve the appearance and functionality of teeth affected by damage or decay. The filling materials, which can be made from several different substances, help to even out tooth surfaces for more efficient biting and chewing. Dental fillings can last for many years and help keep the tooth looking and functioning at its best.

What are dental fillings made of?

There are a few different types of fillings, but in our office, we only use composite fillings, which are made of a glass or quartz filler in a resin that produces a tooth-colored material. Also known as filled resins, composites provide strength, durability, and resistance to fracture. The shade of composite fillings is made to closely match the patient’s actual teeth, so that other people will not be aware any dental work has taken place.

What’s the procedure to put in a dental filling?

During the filling procedure, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay or damage in the area with a dental hand piece. The surface of the tooth is cleaned and prepared for filling. The filling material is placed in the targeted area, where it will be finished and polished to match the appearance of the natural teeth. Dental fillings are placed during a single visit to a dentist’s office.

Some patients may require additional support after their filling procedure from a crown, implant, or bridge. A root canal may also be needed for severely damaged or infected teeth.

The dentist will discuss the filling and other options with each patient before the procedure to determine an affordable plan that meets the patient’s needs.