Fillings

For selected patients only. A dental filling is a restorative procedure that repairs teeth damaged by decay. In some cases enamel loss can cause a tooth to become sensitive and dental filling material is needed to relieve the tooth.

Tooth decay and cavities are quickly found during a routine dental appointment. Once detected, your dentist will remove the decayed material, clean the affected area, then fill the cavity with a gold, porcelain, a composite resin, or an amalgam. These filling materials close off access to bacteria and prevent further decay.

On occasions when a filling is insufficient to repair tooth decay, a dental crown, implant, bridge, or root canal may be required. With regular check-ups your dentist can detect any problems early and prevent a more costly procedure.

Preventing Dental Decay

In the past 65 years many preventive measures have helped to reduce dental disease. Preventing dental disease is easy if you follow these steps:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use an interdental cleaner at least once a day, preferably after each meal.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants
• Limit eating and drinking between meals. Choose nutritious, sugar-free snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride treatment