Dental Fillings

A filling is a treatment that dentists like the team at Current Dentistry use to provide complete dental care to our patients. There are different types of fillings, including different kinds of materials used in those fillings.

Fillings aim to restore the integrity of the structure of your tooth after damage has occurred. That damage could be from a cavity, which is caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay can happen if dental hygiene habits are not followed at home — such as regular brushing and flossing — or for other reasons. Bacteria that live on our teeth naturally can leave plaque behind. A buildup of plaque — called tartar — can only be removed by a dentist, meaning that it is also important to schedule general exams and cleanings every six months.

Damage that occurs due to accidents, grinding, or broken teeth can also be repaired by fillings, depending on the extent of the issue.

It’s important to attend your six-month checkups with your dentist. That way, we can monitor the need for fillings before the issue becomes more serious — requiring greater intervention.

Some signs that may indicate that you could be in need of a filling include:

• Sensitive teeth when eating or drinking hot or cold food or beverages
• Pain when biting down on something
• A visible dark or brown spot on your tooth
• Floss that comes back from between your teeth ragged, indicating unevenness in the surface of your teeth

Do you suspect that you could need a filling in the near future? The team at Current Dentistry can help. Contact us today so we can help protect and restore your teeth!

Depending on your needs and preferences, there are several kinds of fillings, each with their own benefits. They include:

• Silver amalgam fillings
• Gold
• Porcelain
• Tooth-colored fillings or composite fillings

At Current Dentistry, we are proud to offer composite fillings to our patients. We use these types of fillings for their reliability and natural look when it comes to your smile. Even people who know you the best will find it hard to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your composite filling.

Getting a filling is a straightforward process — you have no reason to worry. After we determine that you need a filling, we will numb the area around the tooth using a topical and local anesthetic. You will be completely pain-free during this procedure, and we will check in with you from time to time to make sure you stay comfortable.

Once you are completely numb, we will use our tools to remove the damaged or decayed area on your tooth. We make sure the area is free from further decay and clean and treat it to prevent any further spread of bacteria. Then we fill the cavity with the material of your choice. After everything is done, we will polish your tooth back to its original healthy shine.