Dental FIllings

Simple Tooth Restoration

Dental fillings are very common in general and preventive dentistry as they are used to fill in cavities in a patient’s teeth. This can help prevent more serious tooth damage from occurring and helps you get your oral hygiene back on track. Cavities are formed from the acids in plaque which break down tooth enamel and create holes in the tooth. This can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss, making it difficult or painful to chew and talk. Luckily, a dental filling eliminates harmful bacteria and prevents further damage to the tooth and surrounding gums. 

Dental Fillings
The Process

First, your Reno dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth that needs filling. Then, a handpiece will be used to remove the decay from the tooth. Once this has been completely removed, your dentist will prepare the tooth for filling by cleaning out the cavity and removing any debris or bacteria from the area. The cavity is then filled with an FDA approved material such as composite resin, to prevent anything from getting in the cavity. Once the filling has been adjusted and has fully set, you’re all good to go!

Composite fillings are the most commonly used and tend to closely match the appearance of actual teeth. However, a variety of materials may be used to fill the cavity including silver amalgam, composite resin, ceramic/porcelain, and gold.

preventive dentistry

Benefits of Teeth Fillings

While many people assume that dental fillings are solely done to fill in a cavity, they actually provide much more care than just that. Here are some reasons you should take advantage of getting dental fillings to improve your oral health:

  • Provide necessary protection for the tooth and surrounding teeth. Fillings don’t just cover up a hole in your tooth, but they also prevent tooth decay from spreading or getting worse.
  • Provide greater tooth function and stability.
  • Tooth fillings are used to fill in cavities, but they can also be done to repair cracked or chipped teeth as well.
  • They are highly resistant to corrosion and are intended to last for years. This helps limit the amount of time and money you spend on tooth restoration.
  • Dental fillings can also provide much-needed support to your tooth’s structure.
  • Prevent bacteria from penetrating the teeth and gums, essentially stopping infections before they occur.

Restore Your Teeth and Improve Your Dental Health Today!

Dental fillings are a very common preventive dentistry measure to take. While preventing cavities from developing in the first place is ideal, there are solutions available to help you through it. Making regular visits with your Reno family dentist will ensure the quality of your oral hygiene and helps to increase the life of your filling. The best way to avoid needing a dental filling is to practice good oral health by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Connect with the best dentist in Reno NV to schedule an appointment.