A dental filling is a type of restoration used to fill and repair a cavity. The decay is drilled out and replaced with filling material, restoring the tooth’s original shape and size.
At our office, we use tooth-colored composite filling material. The composite resin can be matched to your natural tooth color, making it a seamless restoration.
What Materials Are Dental Fillings Made Of?
Fillings can be made of a range of materials, including metals like gold, silver, porcelain, composite resin, or ceramic. Gold and silver are quite durable fillings, but they can show through on the teeth, making them less desirable for visible teeth. Composite resins and ceramics are tooth-colored, making them ideal for visible teeth. Porcelain and ceramic fillings can also be made to match the shape and color of your surrounding teeth.
How Is a Dental Filling Placed?
A dental filling is a restorative treatment that can be completed in one or two appointments at your dentist’s office. During your visit, our dentist in Laurel, MD, will use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Then, they will remove all the tooth decay and bacteria from the tooth. The tooth will be prepared and cleaned, and the dental filling material will be placed in the tooth and smoothed. The material will be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, and the result will be a beautiful, healthy smile.
Are Dental Fillings Right For You?
If you have tooth decay or have a missing tooth, then dental fillings may be right for you. They can help treat tooth decay and stop further decay from occurring. They can also help restore a tooth to its old shape and strength if the tooth has been damaged by decay.
What Are the Advantages of Fillings?
The two main advantages of a dental filling are:
Filling a Cavity
If a cavity is left untreated, bacteria can destroy the enamel and dentin, causing increased sensitivity and pain, leading to infection.
Restoring a Tooth
Dental fillings can restore a tooth’s function, shape, and appearance. They can also restore comfort and help protect the surface of the tooth from further damage.
To find out more about the dental services we offer at Montpelier Family Dentistry, Laurel, MD, call (301) 812-4599 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit our Dentist in Laurel, MD, at 14502 Greenview Dr #100, Laurel, MD, 20708.