Treatment for cavities with dental fillings helps prevent extensive dental work later on. At Alki Dental in Seattle, Washington, Hanbit Chi, DDS, and Sara Park, DDS, provide tooth-colored fillings that blend into your smile and maintain the integrity of your tooth. Call today or use the online tool to set up an appointment at the West Seattle office.
The process of getting a filling involves removing any decay in a tooth and restoring the tooth’s strength. Fillings also help prevent future decay.
Your dentist also uses fillings to repair teeth damaged by clenching or grinding. Fillings can also reform teeth with small chips.
Fillings are sometimes made of metal, including silver amalgam or gold. These are less common nowadays, however. The team at Alki Dental prefers to use tooth-colored composite materials that blend with your other teeth.
Your filling appointment should take about an hour. Before working on your filling, you may need X-rays to check the progress of the cavity.
Your dentist numbs the area to be treated, so you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure.
They use a handheld drill to remove decayed portions of the affected tooth, then thoroughly cleanse and rinse it. Your dentist applies the filling material and uses a special light that strengthens and hardens the filling.
Once you leave the office and the numbing medication wears off, you’re ready to use your newly-filled tooth.
Cavities don’t usually hurt, especially if they’re small. Decay starts to cause pain once it’s grown to a larger size, which has caused considerable damage to the tooth and supporting structures.
A filling prevents the cavity from reaching an advanced level of decay that involves costlier, more complicated treatments. If a cavity is allowed to progress, you may need a crown or extraction.
Fillings last many years, especially when you care for them with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. But, fillings are not considered a permanent restoration.
Cavities wear down faster in patients who clench their jaw or grind their teeth. If you notice a crack or chip in a filing or one pops out, contact Alki Dental for a replacement.
Food particles and bacteria can get into the breaks in a filling, causing decay to return.
Call Alki Dental for all your dentistry needs, including fillings. You can also use this website to set up an appointment online.