You don’t have to feel bad that a tooth or several teeth have shown signs of decay. This kind of thing is normal. In other cases, it can even get a lot worse especially when your tooth has lost enough enamel material that you already feel some sensitivity and pain in the affected area. Just schedule an appointment with our office so we can put dental filling to replace the lost enamel.
During the procedure, we will first remove the decayed material. It’s like discarding the rusted parts from sheet metal before you paint it over. We then clean the area thoroughly, and then we put the filling.
You do have some options regarding the filling material, and each one has its own set of pros and cons. The filling can be made from a composite resin, or it can be porcelain or gold. You can also have an amalgam, which is a mixture of various metals including silver.
The fillings seal off the area of the tooth decay, so that there’s no point of entry through the tooth by which bacteria can do even more damage. You also cover up the insides of the tooth that can be sensitive or painful if you get in a hard piece of food into it.
If the fillings aren’t enough, then more serious solutions may be required. You may have to use other options like a dental crown to cover the tooth, or even bridges and implants to replace missing teeth.
Of course, it’s still up to you to maintain your oral health at home, so that you don’t have to get fillings at all. You should always remember to brush your teeth twice a day while you floss daily. Talk to us too about dental sealants and fluoride treatments. We will gladly put in fillings in your teeth when you need it, but we all would be happier if you don’t need fillings for tooth decay at all!