Fillings Specialist

What are fillings?

Fillings are a type of restorative dentistry and that the team at Silver Lake Dentistry offers to patients. They're made of a variety of materials and fill the space (cavity) left in a tooth after decay is removed. In the instance of tooth decay, your dentist removes the decayed tooth material to clean the affected area. The purpose of setting a filling is to restore the tooth back to its normal shape, strength, and function.

How do I know if I need a filling?

By having routine checkups at Silver Lake Dentistry, the team can check your teeth for any signs of decay and catch problems as early as possible. If you dentist notices anything abnormal, they will further inspect using special instruments and X-rays.

Skipping your regular dentist visits can lead to painful symptoms that might mean you have tooth decay and need of a filling. The most common sign to look for is sensitivity when the affected tooth touches food or drinks that are sweet, hot, or cold. In some cases, cavities might be visible as holes or pits in your teeth. If you can see cavities, you are overdue for a checkup.

What causes cavities?

When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth eat, too. Bacteria can turn the food stuck between your teeth into acids which are the foundation for plaque. Plaque dissolves the enamel on your teeth, creating holes known as cavities. Thoroughly brushing your teeth while also avoiding sugary or high-carb foods and drinks can reduce your risk of forming cavities.

What types of fillings are available?

There are several types of fillings that vary with the particular situation. Silver Lake Dentistry specifically offers tooth colored and silver amalgam fillings to restore your teeth.

Tooth-colored fillers match the color of your teeth to provide a natural look. They may not be best as large fillings due to eventual wearing and chipping over an extended period of time. These fillings are also prone to staining.

Amalgam (silver) fillings are more resistant to wear-and-tear and are generally less expensive but more noticeable on the tooth due to their dark color. Dentists typically don’t apply amalgam fillings to teeth that are visible when you smile.

In need of a filling? Don’t panic. Call Silver Lake Dentistry to make an appointment.