Tooth Fillings
Tooth Filling For Cavities | Cosmetic Dentist Waterville, ME | Best Teeth Fillings
Teeth fillings replace the core of a tooth and make it stronger, restoring normal function. It’s a small but important and foundational step toward creating a winning smile and a healthy mouth.
A filling is a highly effective method of restoring a tooth weakened by decay. Each tooth plays a part in determining the functionality and shape of your teeth and your bite.
First, the decayed tooth material is removed and the area is carefully cleaned out, then the filling material is placed in the cavity. This shuts off the access of tooth decay to the area and builds a solid front line defense for your smile.
Tooth Filling Materials
There are multiple choices when it comes to what your Waterville Family Dentist will use to fill your teeth–and that choice is yours.
Options Include:
- Porcelain
- Gold
- Composite Resin (tooth-colored)
- Amalgam (alloy of silver, copper, tin, mercury, and zinc)
Which Tooth Filling Is Right For Me?
We’ll work with you to figure that out and make sure you know the in’s and out’s of the procedure, and have a hand in planning it.
Each patient has their own cosmetic considerations, and those are important. Which filling material to use will also depend on the size and whereabouts of the cavity, plus the extent of the tooth repair. Allergies may also be a factor, so be sure to mention any when consulting with the dentist.
Another consideration is which tooth filling materials your dental insurance does or does not cover, and corresponding out of pocket costs. Our team at Waterville Family Dentistry will work with you to figure out the best way forward financially for each individual patient.
No one type of filling is best for everyone. What’s right for you will be determined by the extent of the repair, whether you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost.
Do I Need A Filling?
Most of us can tell if something’s wrong with a tooth because it hurts. But, with cavities, that’s not always true. It often takes a dental health professional to identify cavities, first using a mirror to inspect the teeth, then more specialized instruments.
If too much of the tooth is damaged by decay or trauma, a crown or other treatment may be the right call. If decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, a root canal may also be necessary. Early detection of cavities makes a big difference, so don’t miss those six-month dental checkups. Dental x-rays may also be taken, which will clearly show the amount of decay and the size of the cavity.
Let’s be honest: Cavities suck! Don’t let them get the better of your teeth, or get in the way of that beautiful smile. Schedule your next check-up today if you haven’t already!
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We look forward to having you join our family here at Waterville Family Dentistry!