Fillings, Burlington NC

Fillings are the most common treatment method for cavities.

The decayed part of the tooth is removed during the procedure, the infected area is cleaned and the cavity is filled with material such as amalgam, porcelain, composite or gold. 

This filler material protects the previously infected area from being exposed to any more bacteria and prevents the cavity from worsening. 

Fillings can also alleviate any pain or sensitivity caused by the cavity. 

Fillings are common dental treatments for teeth that have damage due to decay, cracks or general wear over time. If any of these are left untreated, cavities can form which will then result in the need for a filling to prevent infections and tooth loss.

Regular dental visits and maintaining good oral hygiene are important to ensure your teeth are healthy and to catch a potential cavity early so the tooth can be filled avoiding further tooth decay or loss.

A dental cavity is a decayed part of the tooth, often as a result of bacteria build-up that erodes the enamel of the tooth.

Some foods can impact the formation of cavities such as sugary foods and acidic drinks. Regular dental check-ups, flossing and brushing are the best ways to avoid cavities. 

If you do notice a cavity forming, it is recommended to act sooner rather than later to avoid toothache and to prevent the decay spreading from the enamel to the pulp. 

A filling is the common solution to fix these cavities and prevent the tooth from decaying further.

After a filling has been recommended to a patient, the first step is to numb the area with local anesthetic which minimizes any pain or discomfort during the procedure. 

The decayed part of the tooth is then removed and the area is cleaned thoroughly.

The filling material is then inserted into the tooth and once this has set, it is shaped and polished to match the bite and the appearance of the other teeth. 

While a vibrating sensation is felt throughout the filling procedure, the numbing given before the procedure will ensure no pain or sensitivity is experienced, so there is no need to be concerned about pain during a filling treatment. 

If you are nervous about having a painful experience, make sure to communicate this with the dentist. They will be able to explain the process to you and they will take all the steps necessary to ensure it’s a painless and stress-free experience.

The most common types of fillings are:

• Amalgam/Silver Fillings
• Ceramic Fillings
• Gold Fillings
• Composite Resin

The type of filling you get will depend on recommendations from your dentist and on your financial situation.

Gold fillings are less common and are the most expensive type, however due to its strength they are long-lasting and can last 20 years or more.

Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are silver-colored and are made from metal materials such as silver, tin, copper and mercury. These are durable and cost-efficient, their metallic appearance can make them less popular for fillings on teeth that are more visible than others.

Ceramic or porcelain fillings are durable and a popular choice for many because of its preferred aesthetics. 

Composite fillings made from resin and glass particles are commonly used because of their affordability and natural looking result, however these don’t last as long as amalgam fillings especially in teeth in chewing zones.