At Arrowhead Dental, we want to prevent tooth decay and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. When this is not possible, we want to stop the damage before it leads to something worse. To avoid dental crowns and tooth extractions, we use dental fillings. Dental fillings are an excellent way to restore a damaged tooth back to its normal shape and function.
- Composite resin fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. The ingredients are mixed and placed directly into the cavity in a series of layers. Composite resin can be colored to match the existing shade of your tooth, making them ideal for small to medium cavities located in the visible area of your smile.
Gold fillings
- Gold fillings are less common, but they work well in areas that must withstand a strong bite force. Gold fillings are made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. Gold is also tolerated well by gum tissue and lasts for several decades.
Porcelain fillings
- Porcelain is another aesthetically pleasing material that can be shaded to match the color of your teeth. This type of filling is also produced in a laboratory and cemented into place. Unlike resin composite, porcelain is resistant to staining and mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel.
Filling a Tooth
A dental filling involves a minor procedure. First, Dr. Jordan Argyle, Dr. Jonathan Morgan and Dr. Greg Dover will numb the area using a local anesthetic. Then, we will remove the decayed tooth material and probe the area to ensure that all the decay has been removed. Once all the decayed material has been eliminated, we will clean the cavity and prepare the space for a filling. We do not want any bacteria or debris to be trapped underneath the filling. If the cavity is near the root, we may place a liner to protect the nerve. Finally, we will place the filling and polish the area.
If the filling is composite resin, the material is applied in layers and cured intermittently. Each layer must be hardened before we can proceed. Once the cavity is filled, we will trim off any excess material, and polish the final shape.
When Do You Need a Filling?
Our dentists can determine if your cavity needs to be filled or not. This takes place during a regular checkup. We will use a small mirror or intraoral camera to examine the surfaces of your teeth. If anything looks irregular, we will examine it closely using special instruments. We may also suggest X-rays to attain a more comprehensive image of the teeth. The type of restoration you receive depends on the extent of the decay.
Schedule an Appointment
If you need dental fillings in Evanston, Wyoming, we invite you to call our office today at 307-789-5210 to schedule an appointment!
