Your Guide to Dental Fillings

If you are like many Americans who have been diagnosed with advanced tooth decay or cavities, your concern for your dental health may be matched by anxiety about your cosmetic appearance. Fortunately, new developments in modern dental technology have made it possible for dentists today to offer virtually undetectable tooth-colored fillings. Review this guide to find out more about how dental fillings work and what you can expect from your next dental appointment.

Why Are Dental Fillings Used?

A dental filling repairs the parts of your teeth that have been damaged by decay. If you are beginning to feel symptoms of tooth decay such as toothache, temperature sensitivity, or mild or sharp pain when you bite down or see visible holes or pits in your teeth or pus in the surrounding gum tissue, visit your dentist as soon as possible for a cavity treatment and filling. When tooth decay is treated early, your dentist can both achieve the best cosmetic results possible and protect your oral health.

What Are My Filling Options?

Traditionally, fillings were treated with unsightly silver amalgam. Fortunately, today’s cosmetic dentists usually rely on safer and more attractive tooth-colored fillings. After the decay is removed, your dentist will “fill” the tooth with a durable plastic called composite resin. This material is similar to the texture of your natural teeth and comes in a wide spectrum of colors so your dentist can match your new filling to the surrounding teeth. These materials also have a high shine and actually work to strengthen the tooth and prevent future cracks and fractures. Fillings can usually be completed in a single short visit.

Are you concerned about cavities or your smile’s cosmetic appearance? If you live in the Orlando or Lake Mary area, call Sanford Dental Excellence today at 321-257-8258 to find out how our dentists can make over your smile in just one or two visits. Visit us online or call today to learn more about how our sedation dentists can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.