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Dental Fillings
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restoration that is used to replace an area of decay in a tooth. They are made to look and mimic the color of your natural teeth so that no one will even know they’re in place. Before the decay can get worse to the point of the tooth needing a root canal, it is removed and a filling placed. The procedure is quick, easy and provides you with a healthy, cavity-free tooth.
Why are Dental Fllings needed?
Fillings are most often needed if one or more teeth has a cavity in it. Cavities can form for a variety of reasons, and they can affect both adults and children. If a cavity is ignored for too long, the decay will eventually reach the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. Once this happens, a root canal is needed and a filling is no longer sufficient enough on its own. Before this happens, a filling can be placed to prevent the decay from moving deeper into the tooth.
Who is a candidate for a Dental Filling?
Dr. Seto will perform an exam to identify any areas of decay in the mouth. In some cases, x-rays are needed to spot hard-to-find cavities. If you have a cavity, we recommend having it filled as soon as possible. This prevents the decay from getting worse and causing the need for additional treatments.
What can you expect with the Dental Filling procedure?
We begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. The decay is then removed from the tooth using a slow speed drill. Dr. Seto then carefully matches the color of the filling with the tooth and places it in the small hole that was made. The filling is smoothed out and any excess material is removed. We then harden the filling with a bright light that cures it in place. You are then ready to leave the office with your brand new filling. Multiple fillings can be placed at the same appointment as needed.
If you think you might need a filling, we welcome you to call our office and experience the difference in care with our low wait times and family-friendly environment.