Dental Fillings
Having a tooth filling is fairly common. In fact, most people need at least one tooth filling during their lifetime. Fillings are used for teeth that have been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. Dr. Wilson and the Cornerstone team are very experienced with tooth fillings and pride themselves on giving patients fillings that are effective and feel just like the original tooth.
Quick Procedure
Filling restorations can be completed in as little as one hourLong Lasting
Tooth-colored fillings tend to last about five to seven yearsCost Effective
Filling restorations can prevent more costly treatment in the futureGreat Appearance
Tooth-colored filling restorations look just like your natural toothFAQs About Dental Fillings
There are several reasons why a tooth may need a filling. Most commonly, dental fillings are used to treat cavities, but they can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth, or teeth that have been worn down over time. Tooth fillings repair and restore the surface of teeth, and will help strengthen the tooth.
Only your dentist can officially prescribe a tooth filling. However, tooth sensitivity is one of the most common early warning signs of tooth decay. If left untreated, your tooth will continue to hurt and the pain will likely increase. If tooth decay is not repaired during it’s early stages, it can worsen and additional treatments might be required. If you feel sensitivity in your tooth, or you know for sure that your tooth has been cracked, it’s important to call the Cornerstone Family Dentistry team as soon as possible.
Once it has been determined by Dr. Wilson that a dental filling is the best treatment option, she will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. To begin, Dr. Wilson will apply a local anesthetic to the affected area of your mouth. This will help reduce any discomfort you may feel. Next, she will prepare the tooth by using a small hand-held instrument to remove any decay or damaged tooth surface area. Then, Dr. Wilson will clean the prepared tooth to remove any debris or bacteria. Lastly, she will apply adhesives and the filling material to the prepared area and shape it to match the look and feel of your natural teeth. Once complete, you will not even be able to tell the difference between the filling and your natural tooth.
There are so many variables that can determine the lifetime of a tooth filling. However, if completed properly, and with ongoing care and routine oral hygiene, a filling can last 5 to 12 years.