Dental Filling
Chino Valley, AZ
 If you've ever experienced tooth pain or sensitivity, you're not alone. Many of us will need a dental filling at some point in our lives. Simply put, a dental filling is a way to restore a damaged tooth back to its normal function and shape. Our dentist, Dr. Ligon can do that for you here at Granite View Dental.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a restorative dental treatment used to repair and restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, trauma, or wear. The procedure involves removing the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and filling the resulting cavity with a dental material. A dental filling helps prevent further decay by eliminating areas where bacteria can enter and proliferate.
When Do You Need a Filling?
You might need a dental filling if your tooth gets damaged due to decay or wear. Erosion can occur from several causes - excessive gnashing or grinding, nail-biting, misuse like bottle opening, and even cavities caused by tooth decay. This decay is essentially a bacterial invasion in your tooth, with the harmful bacteria breaking down your tooth's structure, which, if left unchecked, can lead to cavities. These cavities are the prime indications that you might require a filling.
Imagine the last time you enjoyed your favorite ice cream. Remember how that cold, sweet treat tasted? Now, imagine a sudden, sharp pain in your mouth, turning that delight into discomfort. That pain might be resulting from a cavity in your tooth, which brings us to the importance of a dental filling.
What Are Dental Fillings Made Out Of?
Ever wondered what a dentist might use to fill that tiny hole in your tooth? Dental fillings are made of different materials, often an alloy, used to fill the cavity in a tooth after the bacteria and decayed parts have been removed. The types and compositions of fillings can vary based on different factors, such as the extent of the repair, any allergic reactions to certain materials, and aesthetics.
The most common materials used to make dental fillings include amalgam, composite, gold, and ceramic.
What is the Procedure for Getting a Filling?
Getting a dental filling is a straightforward process that usually only needs one trip to the dentist's office. You will first have an examination. The dentist will use a small mirror to inspect all the surfaces of each tooth. Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments.
If necessary, our dentist will take X-rays to get a more detailed image of your teeth and spot any cavities.
Before the filling procedure starts, local anesthesia will be given to numb the area around the tooth to prevent pain and discomfort. The dentist will then use a drill, air abrasion instrument or lasers to remove the decay. The choice of instrument depends on the extent of the decay.
An acid gel will be used to etch the tooth receiving the filling. This etching helps to create a rough surface for the filling to cling to. The filling will then applied in layers, with a light specialized to harden each layer applied. After the multilayering process, our dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.
Granite View Dental Dental Fillings
If you are suffering from a painful tooth, it could be an indicator that you are in need of a filling. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with us.
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