Tooth decay can greatly lower self-confidence and bring you a lot of pain. Worse about the problem is that you may never be able to keep the problem at bay even with a meticulous oral hygiene routine as some biological and lifestyle factors will still put you at risk of it.
Dental filling restores a damaged tooth back to normal and prevents the problem from spreading to other teeth.
Do I need dental filling?
Consulting your dentist is the best way to know if you need a filling, but the following signs should alert you of tooth decay:
- Lost dental filling
- Fractures and chips
- A tooth starting to feel rough
- Tooth pain
- Floss tearing when flossing between certain teeth
- Food getting stuck between certain teeth
- A hole that you can feel or see on your tooth
- Sensitivity when you bite or chew on specific teeth
What type of filling is best for me?
Fillings are primarily categorized on basis of material. What your dentist recommends for you will be determined by your problem, budget and lifestyle.
- Gold fillings – Made of cast gold
- Silver amalgams – Consist of a blend of mercury, copper, silver, zinc, and tin.
- Ceramics – Made mostly of a stain-resistant porcelain
- Composite resins – Tooth-colored and form a chemical bonding with teeth
What to expect during a dental filling
Your dentist will first apply a local anesthetic on the tooth being repaired and the area around it before beginning the procedure. Once you’re completely numb and ready, he/she will start removing the decayed portion of your tooth using a dental drill and a high volume suction.
After all the decay has been washed off and the tooth cleaned and rinsed, your dentist will use special equipment to place the filling on the tooth. Procedures for this vary depending on the filling material being used.
If you suspect you have dental decay and want a dentist to confirm it and provide filling if necessary, Lal Thanga DDS offers the service in and around Duarte. Call 626.357.9909 now to schedule an appointment and have your tooth fixed.