Dental Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. If you have a cracked tooth or your dentist has spotted signs of caries, they may advise you to have a dental filling. Dental fillings may sound inconvenient, but they are one of the best ways to easily restore your smile from further problems. Birmingham Dental offers fillings to all patients who need them. If you are in Birmingham, Michigan, please call us today! One of the best ways to avoid cavities is to stay updated with your bi-annual check-ups.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a type of restorative dental treatment that helps strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of infection. If you have a hole in the tooth, known as a cavity, a filling can be used to stem the spread of infection and bolster the tooth to improve oral function. Filling a tooth is a relatively simple procedure, which usually takes 40-60 minutes. If you have caries and leave them untreated, there is a risk of more extensive damage. Fillings prevent the situation from worsening, boosting oral health and lowering the risk of dental pain and discomfort.
What are the Benefits of Fillings?
There are several advantages to having a filling if you have signs of decay or your tooth is damaged. These include:
- Halting the Progression of Decay: The most important benefit of dental fillings is stopping dental infections from reaching other parts of the tooth and spreading throughout the mouth. A filling is a simple but incredibly effective means of protecting and strengthening a tooth that caries have weakened. Fillings target small areas of decay, providing a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria at bay.
- Enhancing Esthetics: Holes in the teeth, worn edges, and minor chips and cracks can detract from the smile’s beauty. If you are self-conscious about your smile and don’t feel comfortable showing it off, dental fillings can make you feel more confident when you smile or meet new people. Fillings are designed to restore the teeth, but they also have esthetic benefits. Composite and ceramic fillings blend in with the natural tooth shade to form a seamless finish.
- Improving Oral Function: If you have caries, there is a risk of infection spreading and the teeth becoming weak and susceptible to damage. Dental fillings bolster the teeth, lowering the risk of further damage and improving oral function. With healthy, strong teeth, you can smile, speak and eat with confidence.
What Does the Process Involve?
Filling a tooth involves a series of processes. First, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth so that you don’t experience any discomfort. They will then drill into the tooth to remove any decayed tooth structure and clear the cavity. We will clean the tooth thoroughly before we place the filling. Your dentist will fill the cavity by packing it with a composite filling; the material will be set firm and then the tooth polished. You may experience some minor pain as the anesthetic wears off. As your mouth heals, the pain will go away. We recommend eating soft foods and taking any over-the-counter medications to help with pain and sensitivity.
Dental Fillings in Birmingham, Michigan
If you experience dental pain or think you may have a cavity in your tooth, don’t hesitate to call and talk to one of our knowledgeable and friendly staff. We can provide you with more information about the process and the benefits and answer any questions you have. Give Birmingham Dental in Birmingham, Michigan, a call today! We are here to help you get the best and healthiest smile possible.