Fillings restore and strengthen a tooth following treatment for decay. Without fillings, the decay will worsen to the point that the tooth is lost or needs to be pulled. When you come to our Amarillo dental office, the cavity is treated, all signs of decay are removed, and the filling is applied.
Dentists utilize fillings to repair teeth and preserve smiles. It is crucial to place a filling before the decay becomes severe. If you have not seen your dentist in Amarillo for a recent cleaning and checkup, be sure to schedule an appointment. Regular appointments ensure that your Amarillo dentist can catch any decay before it becomes detrimental to the tooth. If you are experiencing a toothache, this could be a sign of a cavity, so it is essential to come and see us right away before the decay worsens.
Bacteria (most often from eating and drinking) make their way into your mouth and turn into plaque; when plaque is not professionally removed with routine dental cleanings, it leads to decay. The bacteria build up in layers, creating plaque. This happens all around the teeth and starts to eat away at the tooth’s enamel with the acid that the bacteria release. When a tooth begins to decay – due to the bacteria and acid – it forms a cavity. A cavity cannot repair itself, so it is essential that dentists stop the damage by placing a filling before it becomes worse.
Before fillings, cavities couldn’t be repaired, and decay would build up until a tooth decayed down to the nerves. When this occurred, the only thing left to do was to extract the tooth. Fortunately, with the help of research and modern technology, composite fillings are now available to match the shade of a tooth for a subtle and effective way to repair the damage caused by plaque and bacteria.
Patients are given a local anesthetic. Then the tooth decay is removed. After the decay is removed by Dr. Damon or Dr. Mohr, your tooth will have a filling placed. Today we exclusively use a composite tooth filling material. This is the most esthetic and is tooth-colored.
There are two popular types of fillings: amalgam or composite fillings. Usually, people opt for composite fillings for esthetic reasons.
An amalgam filling is a more old-fashioned filling that is made of silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury to make a silver mold. The material is molded into the drilled hole within the tooth and continues to solidify to take its permanent shape in the tooth.
Composite fillings are more common these days, as they match the color of the tooth and consist of a material somewhat like modeling clay that hardens when a curing light is applied. The synthetic resins of the filling look like the color of the rest of your tooth once they set.
This is the more popular option because they look discreet and natural when you smile, laugh, and talk. With the help of evolving technology and research, composite filling’s durability and longevity are continuing to improve.
Occasionally people can feel a cavity coming on – whether it’s tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, feeling pain in a particular tooth throughout the day or when chewing, or pain that is worsened with sweets. It’s vital to get a tooth filled as soon as possible to prevent further damage from being done and needing a more serious procedure, like a root canal. If cavities are left for long enough, the decay will become so bad that the tooth will need to be extracted.
Scheduling routine cleanings and checkups is the best way to ensure you have a healthy smile aside from healthy oral habits at home. You should be brushing at least twice daily, flossing once daily, and limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods.
If you have any of the symptoms of a cavity (pain and sensitivity) or simply want to prevent cavities with a cleaning and check-up, schedule a consultation with Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo today.
Schedule an appointment with us today for more information on the types of fillings available at Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo. Prioritize your oral health by practicing preventative care – call us today to schedule a cleaning and check-up.
Dr. Damon’s vast experience in specialized dentistry & his impressionable chairside manner has given him an excellent reputation, and he is trusted by many in the Amarillo area.
As a specialized implant center, our experts can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. However, we offer a wide variety of dental services to cater to you and your family’s every dental need. In addition, our unique approach to patient care has allowed us to form lasting relationships for years to come. Call us today to schedule.
Monday: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–12pm, 1–4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5pm
Thursday: 8:30am–12pm, 1–4pm
Friday: 8:30am–12pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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