Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments performed by dentists. They are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. First, the dentist will drill out any decay that is present, creating a clean space for the filling. The filling material is placed in the tooth to replace the missing tooth structure. There are a variety of different materials that can be used for dental fillings, including gold, silver amalgam (a mixture of metals), and tooth-colored composite resin.

Once a cavity develops in a tooth, there’s no going back. That cavity will not go away and your tooth won’t be able to fill the gap. Cavities may present with pain and increased sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and food, or they may be completely asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cavities are detected at regular dental visits. Why do asymptomatic cavities need treatment? These spaces weaken teeth and will end up leading to more damage as bacteria makes its home there. The cavity will keep growing and at some point, the tooth will stop being viable.

Fillings help because they provide the structural support needed for damaged teeth. Adding a filling means taking away the bacteria’s hiding spot and stopping the damage, alleviating any pain that might be present. The rest of the tooth will be supported by the fillings and it will be more durable for years to come with proper care.

Applying fillings to your teeth is a fairly straightforward and very common procedure. The tooth will first be cleaned and any present decay removed. Then the filling materials will be applied to a clean cavity. This procedure should be completely painless, since here at WestLake Dental Care, we use a local anesthetic before we start working. After the procedure, and for as long as they remain, fillings won’t bother you and won’t put you in any kind of discomfort.

If you need a dental filling, give WestLake Dental Care a call. With advanced technology and experienced staff, you can relax knowing you are in good hands. We’ll answer any questions you may have and help to put you at ease while we get to work restoring your teeth to optimal health. To learn more, contact us at (703) 444-5108 today!