You will need a dental filling at some point in your life. With an estimated 92 percent of Americans having had at least one cavity, you are not alone! Dental fillings are the most common restorative dental procedures performed in the United States. At Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry, patients in the Dunedin, Florida area can benefit from state-of-the-art technologies and the latest materials, such as composite resin or ceramic fillings, for a natural-looking, healthy smile.
The dental filling process
In many cases, patients with cavities aren’t even aware that they have them. During your regular check-up, Dr. Ryan Lepore or Dr. Erin Dougherty will visually examine your teeth and gums to look for signs of decay, as well as periodic X-ray imaging to check on the health of your underlying bone structure and teeth. If a smaller cavity is found and it involves less than 50% of your tooth, then a filling is often the best course of treatment. It is an economical way to restore health to your tooth quickly and effectively.
To place a filling, Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will first consult with you about your options to determine what material is best for you. Many patients choose tooth-colored composite resin or one of the modern ceramics available for an esthetically pleasing filling that blends in naturally with the rest of their teeth. After you have chosen the material you want, Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will perform the following steps to place the filling:
- First, he will gently numb the treatment area so that you are completely comfortable during the procedure
- He removes the area of decay using the latest dental tools
- The filling material is placed in the tooth; if composite resin is being used, it is placed layer by layer and cured with a special light after each layer for durability and strength
- The filling is shaped and polished, so it looks and feels natural in your mouth
Anterior Filling:
When repairing a small cavity, a composite filling can restore your tooth shape and function while also mimicking its natural shade.
During the first step, your tooth is prepared by removing the decayed portion, leaving a small prepared area that will be filled with the composite. Next, a special bonding agent is applied to the prepared area. This bonding process helps to ensure that the filling will attach to the natural tooth structure. A special curing light is then used to set the bonding fluid.
Your doctor then applies the composite material to fill the prepared area and shapes it to match the contours of your tooth surface. Again using the special curing light, the shaped composite is solidified into place.
As a final step, your doctor will polish the composite filling to smoothen it and give it a similar sheen to the rest of your tooth. Once completed, your tooth is free of decay and restored to its optimal strength and appearance.
Posterior Filling:
When repairing a small cavity, a composite filling can restore your tooth to shape and function while also mimicking the tooth’s natural shade.
During the first step, your tooth is prepared by removing the decayed portion, leaving a small area that will be filled with the composite.
Next, a special bonding agent is applied to the prepared area. This bonding process helps to ensure that the filling will attach to the natural tooth structure. A special curing light is then used to set the bonding fluid.
Your dentist then applies the composite material to fill the prepared area and shapes it to match the contours of your tooth’s surface. Again using the special curing light, the shaped composite is hardened to resist the forces of the opposing teeth.
As a final step, your dentist will polish the composite filling to smoothen it and give it a similar sheen to the rest of your tooth. Once completed, your tooth is free of decay and restored to its natural strength and appearance.
Schedule your check-up today
Many cavities do not cause pain or sensitivity until they have progressed to a more advanced state of decay. The best way to catch cavities is early on, while they are still easy to treat with smaller fillings instead of larger and more costly restorations such as crowns or root canal therapy. See your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
If you are in Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Largo, or surrounding areas, call Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry to schedule your check-up today! We can be reached at (727) 608-4690.
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