Dental fillings are used to repair cavities or areas of a tooth that have been damaged by decay. When a cavity forms, it means bacteria has broken down the tooth’s enamel and caused it to deteriorate. Fillings help restore the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance by cleaning out the decay and filling the area with a composite resin material.
Here’s how the filling process generally works:
1. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: The dentist examines the tooth and may use X-rays to determine the extent of the decay.
2. Removing Decay: The dentist uses a high-speed handpiece to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This step ensures that all infected tooth structure is gone, preventing further decay. Your dentist will make sure you are numb and comfortable during the procedure.
3. Cleaning the Cavity: After the decay is removed, the cavity is cleaned to ensure there’s no debris left behind.
4. Filling the Cavity: The dentist then fills the cavity with a resin composite filling material. This material is light cured and ready to chew on immediately following the procedure.
5. Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling material is placed, the dentist shapes it to match the natural contours of your tooth. The filling is then polished to give it a smooth, natural look.
Composite Fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin material that blends in with your natural teeth. Fillings are designed to last for many years, but over time, they may wear down or need to be replaced. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure that your fillings remain in good condition and continue to protect your teeth effectively.