Dental Fillings are the most popular method in dentistry for restoring teeth. There are many types of materials that dentists use for dental fillings, such as amalgam and gold. Composites fillings are a popular choice because they match the color of teeth and look natural. Dentists us composites to restore decayed teeth and to treat cracked or broken teeth, stained teeth, and/or worn down teeth. Many patients prefer composite because it matches their natural teeth. To restore your smile, you can receive composites on the back teeth and, in some cases, on your front teeth. At our office we exclusively place composite fillings.
How do we place dental fillings?
Fillings are very common, and most patients will receive them in one visit. Once your dentist applies anesthesia, she will begin removing decay from the tooth using a dental drill and then clean out the decaying area. After the dentist removes all the decay, she will shape the area and prepare to place the filling material (i.e., composite). Once the filling has been placed, it’s then shaped and the tooth will be polished to look as natural as possible.
After first receiving a filling, many patients become temporarily sensitive to hot and cold foods. When the tooth becomes used to having the filling, the sensitivity will subside.