Dental fillings restore a tooth that is damaged by decay. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the hollow cavity is filled. This prevents the decay from spreading further and restores the tooth.

What Is A Dental Filling?

A tooth filling is a restorative dental treatment used to fix a small cavity or chip in a tooth’s surface and restore the tooth’s strength, appearance, and function. The treatment involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the void with a type of dental material. Fillings are also used to prevent future decay on teeth with vulnerable grooves or cracks.

Why Get A Dental Filling?

Dental fillings protect your teeth from further damage and tooth decay. The decayed material is removed, and the tooth is filled with a material that will strengthen it and prevent further decay. Our dentists are highly skilled at performing fillings and will make sure you are as comfortable as possible during the process. A filling will allow you to keep your natural tooth intact while giving you added protection.

When your tooth has decayed to the point that a filling isn’t enough to treat it, our dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay. These restorations provide the same benefits as a dental filling while also keeping your smile looking beautiful and natural. Plus, they last much longer than a regular filling.

What Types of Dental Fillings Are Available?

Dental fillings come in a variety of materials, including silver amalgam, gold alloy, porcelain, and composite resin. Your dentist will choose the best material based on the location of the cavity in your teeth as well as your personal oral health history. Some patients prefer one kind of material over another for aesthetic reasons. For example, if the decay is on a tooth that is easily visible, a patient may opt for a tooth-colored filling made of composite resin or porcelain.

How Are Dental Fillings Applied?

First, your dentist will brush the area to be restored with an acid etchant solution. This will prepare the surface of the tooth so the resin material can bond to it. Then the dentist will apply the resin and cure it with a special light. Finally, the filling will be shaped and polished, so it is comfortable in your mouth. Many patients prefer bonded fillings to silver amalgam because they are more aesthetic in appearance. Also, they are mercury-free! However, these fillings are not as strong as metal fillings.

To learn more, visit Georgetown Cosmetic Dentistry at 2440 M Street, NW, Suite 328, Washington, DC 20037, or call (202) 785-4141 for the best dental care.