Dental fillings are restorative treatments that our dentists in Dallas, TX, use to repair teeth that have sustained minor damage from cavities, chips, and fractures. But, not only do dental fillings repair minor damage, they also improve patients’ oral health, smiles, and confidence.
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed at Lakewood Dental Group. Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel combine their years of experience with precision tools, modern techniques, and polymer-based materials to deliver high-quality dental fillings that can restore our patients’ smiles for years to come.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are restorative treatments that improve the function, structural integrity, and appearance of damaged teeth caused by cavities or trauma. In the past, dentists used a mixture of metals to seal cavities and protect teeth from further damage. Today, however, dentists use a safer, more effective composite resin material for dental fillings.
Why do I need dental fillings?
There are several reasons why patients might need dental fillings, including:
- Prompt cavity treatment: In general, cavities will not go away on their own. Without proper treatment, they will continue to spread, which can lead to cavities in neighboring teeth, too. Dental fillings halt cavities in their tracks, which saves the patient’s affected tooth, their surrounding teeth, and their oral health.
- Filling in grooves: Sometimes, patients have tiny holes or grooves in their teeth that are not caused by cavities. However, these holes and grooves can trap oral bacteria, which can lead to cavities in the future. Subsequently, Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel may recommend filling in small holes and grooves as a preventive measure.
- Chips and fractures: Even when teeth sustain minor damage–like small chips or fractures–their structural integrity decreases. This means that more damage is likely to occur without proper reinforcement. Dental fillings give teeth the support they need to protect them from further damage.
- Fixing discoloration: Stains and discoloration on the teeth can be a source of embarrassment for some patients. However, tooth-colored dental fillings can easily cover stubborn stains and discoloration to improve the appearance of patients’ smiles.
- Addressing tooth sensitivity: When tooth enamel grows thinner, teeth become more sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Repairing areas of thin enamel with dental fillings helps patients get much-needed relief from extreme tooth sensitivity.
What can I expect when I get a dental filling?
First, Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel will determine if a dental filling is the right restorative treatment to repair a damaged tooth. If it is, then they will begin the process by administering local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area. Then, our team prepares the tooth by removing any damaged tissue before drilling a small amount of enamel from the treatment area.
Next, our team will color-match the composite resin to the patient’s surrounding teeth before applying it directly to the surface of the tooth. Once Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel apply the composite resin, they will cure it with a special lamp. After the composite resin hardens in place, our team will file down the dental filling so that it feels comfortable when patients bite and speak.
And, that’s it! Typically, patients can leave our Lakewood dental office with a healthy, reinforced tooth in just one hour.
Don’t wait–schedule a dental filling today!
If you need a Lakewood dentist to help you determine if dental fillings are right for you, then contact the team at Lakewood Dental Group now. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the faster we can help you get stronger, healthier teeth.
New and existing patients can schedule an appointment online, or they may call our dental office in Dallas at (214) 827-1885 to get started.
