Fillings typically address cavities caused by decay that are usually diagnosed during a routine teeth cleaning and exam. If you have a cavity, a filling is placed to prevent the spread of decay and further damage to your tooth. You also might need a filling to repair chips and cracks in your teeth caused by dental injury.
Our fillings are made from either composite/resin material or porcelain. Both materials provide natural looking tooth colored restorations. Dr. Hunte will help you to decide on the material used based on the condition of the tooth, your age, and cost considerations.
Dr. Hunte ensures her patients are comfortable during the filling procedure and uses local anesthesia on the affected area. You will feel a pinch when the anesthesia is applied and then the worst is over because your mouth will be numb during the procedure. Your comfort is VERY important to Dr. Hunte!
Filling procedures typically take about an hour. After the anesthetic has been administered and the patient has had time to get completely numb, a drill is used to remove all of the decay to create a clean surface for the filling. A gel is then applied to the tooth to create a bond for the filling material, the filling material is applied and shaped before being hardened with a special light. Finally, any adjustments are made to ensure a good fit and the tooth is polished.
Depending on the type of fillings you already have they may last several years to decades. However, fillings do need to be replaced if you develop further decay around the filling or they wear down, crack, or fall out. Even day-to-day activities such as eating hard foods or chewing on pens or fingernails can chip a filling.
All existing fillings are examined during your regular hygiene visits, and we will recommend replacing any that are compromised. It is important that this be done to avoid the development of infection underneath the filling, which left intreated may lead to more invasive procedures such as root canals to remedy.