What You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures – you may even have had one (or a few) placed as you were growing up. But many patients may not be entirely clear on what they are and how they are used. At Harbourview Dental, dental fillings are one of the many treatments we offer in Burlington.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are used to restore the tooth structure when decay or damage is removed. They are made from a variety of materials, such as amalgam, composite, ceramic, glass ionomer, or gold. Composite is the most popular type of filling because they are durable and can be colored to match the surrounding teeth, producing a natural-looking restoration.

When are dental fillings recommended?

Cavities are usually detected during routine exams. They may be visible in the mouth or may be seen in a dental x-ray. If you have been diagnosed with a cavity, have a cracked or broken tooth, or have teeth that are worn down, your dentist in Burlington may recommend a dental filling.

How are dental fillings placed?

The procedure for placing dental fillings is relatively simple and can be completed in just one appointment. First, the area around the affected tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Patients who are overly nervous or who have dental anxiety can talk to their dentist about another form of sedation. Your dentist will then remove all decay from the tooth using a special drill. Following that, the tooth will be shaped into the ideal form for the filling. The filling material will be placed in layers, with each layer being hardened before the next one is applied. Once the filling is in place, your dentist will check how it fits with your bite and file it down if necessary. You may have to wait a short period before you can chew on the side of your mouth where the filling is, but after that time, you’ll be able to use your teeth as normal.

If you are looking for dental fillings at a dentist near you, visit us at Harbourview Dental for quality fillings in Burlington.