Dental fillings rarely start with a patient that is looking for their teeth to get a filling, despite the fact that the gold fillings do look very snazzy. The reality is that most patients come in for a regularly scheduled checkup and we find that there are sufficient wear and tear. Thus, the tooth requires a filling to keep the tooth viable. Occasionally, although rare these days, will we get a patient who is young or lucky with great teeth and has no idea what a filling is or why it is necessary.
Dental Check-ups and Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a material that replaces damaged tooth enamel or a tooth that has a cavity. At other times, we will find what is known as a soft spot, where the enamel has almost given way to a cavity but not quite. We prefer to fill these as well since it is only a matter of time before the decay breaks through.
Considering that a dental filling usually starts with an examination, we cannot stress enough the importance of coming in for regular checkups. The best rule of thumb is to try and make an appointment at least twice a year, which allows us to find things like soft spots or identify areas that have excessive plaque buildup. Regular appointments allows Premier Dental Care Of Utah to help prevent these issues from damaging patient's teeth.
Taking care of a dental filling
The first thing we do with a filling is to numb the area around the tooth so that the patient does not feel any discomfort. We mainly use an application of local anesthetic directly into the gums to numb the mouth. Once the patient's mouth is numb, he or she will not feel any discomfort besides a little pressure as we work on the teeth.
In order to make sure that we get rid of all the decay and that the decay has no chance of spreading or coming back, we will shave off all the portions of the tooth that have decay. While the dentist is removing this bad enamel, we will also take the opportunity to shape where the cavity had been so that it is a good shape for a filling. This will allow the filling itself to be more secure.
From this point on, the tooth is ready to receive the filling. We will make any specific preparations to the patient's needs before placing the filling. A bonded filling, for example, we need to etch the tooth whereas some fillings require resin. If a resin is used, we apply it and then use the cool blue light to harden and strengthen it.
Dental fillings are oral prosthetics that are used to combat tooth decay and restore the function and shape of damaged teeth. This helps prevent further decay on the tooth. Tooth decay is something that occurs naturally, since food particles and other debris are often left in the mouth after meals.These food particles are broken down…
Dentists often use dental fillings to address the cavities that result from tooth decay. It is one of the least expensive procedures performed by dentists that can help to prevent cavities from growing. Without treatment, the cavities will grow to the point where a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.Getting fillings is a…
If composite fillings are an option you desire, give us a call. We can examine your teeth and find the best choice.Composite fillings are tooth-colored to provide a natural appearance and still remain as effective as other fillings. We use composite fillings to restore teeth and perfect our patient's smiles.Composite FillingsAt Premier Dental Care Of…
While everybody's working for the weekend, don't forget routine dental care to make the days extra brightRoutine dental care is important for a healthy set of teeth. While we can provide routine dental care during appointments, you need to keep it up at home through brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.Routine Dental…