Diagnosing and Treating Cavities
Tooth decay is the most common health problem in both children and adults.
Bacteria and plaque in your mouth create an acid that eats away at teeth, creating cavities. If left untreated, these cavities will continue to worsen over time, which can lead to bone loss and require a tooth extraction. By filling a cavity, we can stop the advancement of the decay and prevent further problems. Dental fillings restore the use of a tooth and preserve the tooth structure.
Your Filling Options
Standard Amalgam Fillings are made from silver or mercury. Although these common fillings are long-lasting, placing them requires removing more of the healthy tooth surrounding the decay than necessary with composite fillings. Amalgam can crack or break teeth because it changes with exposure to extreme temperatures, like when you drink a hot beverage or eat ice cream. The silver color can make patients feel self-conscious and unhappy with their fillings.
Composite Fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, offer a more natural option for patients. The shades of the filling can be custom created to best match the tooth. It is proven as effective as the standard amalgam fillings, and better protects against extreme temperature contact, therefore preventing any future cracking or breaking. In addition, composite fillings harden quicker than standard fillings, reducing after-appointment discomfort.
How We Fix Cavities with Fillings
To begin the process of fixing your cavity, we first prepare the tooth for the filling by removing decay and cleaning the area. Primer is applied to your tooth, allowing bonding to penetrate into small holes. A bonding agent is used to cure the area, and then the filling material is placed. After being shaped and smoothed, a curing light is used to harden the area.
Pain-Free Dental Care in Upper Michigan by Norway Dental
Getting a cavity filled should not be a source of nervousness – if you feel anxious about receiving dental treatment, let us know and we can discuss options to ensure a pain-free, stress-free visit.