Sciota, Pennsylvania
We hate to break it to you but at some point in your life, odds are, you will develop a cavity. It may happen sooner than you think. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 90% of Americans develop a cavity by the time they turn 20 years old. If you need to have a cavity filled in Sciota, don’t fret; today on the blog we will go through the entire process of what to expect when you receive a filling at Quiet Valley Dental.
When is a filling called for?
If you have a cavity then you literally have a hole in your tooth. This means an area of tooth decay has formed, eaten into the enamel of your tooth and is trying to expand while going deeper into your tooth structure. Assuming your dentist detects the cavity early, it can be treated with a filling, which is made to repair small to intermediate areas of decay. Fillings also may be used to repair damage to your teeth caused by grinding them or possibly to repair a fractured tooth.
The different types of fillings
Fillings can be made from a variety of different materials. Some of the most popular include gold fillings, silver amalgam (which is a composite material made of mercury, silver and other metals), a composite material or dental porcelain. In years past, dentists primarily worked with fillings made of amalgam.
Quiet Valley Dental usually works with two types of fillings: composite and porcelain. Both of these materials can be customized to match the color, shape and size of the surrounding teeth in your mouth. Composite fillings tend to be a better fit for minor fillings, while in cases of more extensive enamel damage, porcelain fillings may be the better option. The dentists at Quiet Valley Dental will determine the right type of filling for you after evaluating the affected tooth, meeting with you and reviewing your dental records.
How does the filling process work?
You can plan for any filling appointment at our dental office in Sciota to last about an hour. Your dentist may want to take X-rays of the affected tooth. A member of our team of oral health professionals also can explain every aspect of the procedure to you, especially if you are nervous. For patients with dental anxiety, Quiet Valley Dental offers oral sedation.
The process of receiving a filling in Sciota goes as follows:
- Applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, minimizing any discomfort you may experience during the procedure
- The removal of any decay or area of the tooth that has become damaged, leaving you with only healthy tooth enamel
- Conditioning the tooth before applying the filling, which is shaped and bonded directly to your tooth
- Making adjustments so that the filling aligns with your bite
- Polishing the filling, so that it appears sparkling clean and blends seamlessly with your smile
Our dentists also can install a composite or porcelain filling to replace an older amalgam filling. If your silver filling has not left enough natural tooth structure to support a filling, we may install an onlay or a dental crown to restore your tooth to its former splendor.
Repairing cavities with fillings in Sciota, Pennsylvania
If you have a cavity or you are experiencing symptoms of tooth decay, ignoring the problem is the worst decision you can make. The area of decay will continue to grow, potentially leading to an infection or compromising the tooth altogether. Instead, trust Drs. Brian Chiusano and David Miller to install a tooth-colored filling and repair your tooth. Make an appointment today at Quiet Valley Dental by calling (570) 992-0740 or complete our online contact form.
