Fillings

Dental fillings restore teeth that are damaged by cavities, holes that form in your tooth as the result of decay.

When Dr. Johnson fills a cavity, he removes the decayed part of your tooth, cleans the cavity, and then fills it with a durable material. Fillings stop bacteria from entering your tooth and causing further decay.

The best way to detect cavities is to get regular checkups and cleanings at Northwest Dental Center.

The sooner you treat tooth decay, the easier it is to restore the health and function of your tooth. In fact, at the earliest signs of decay, a fluoride treatment in the office and good dental hygiene at home prevent the need for a filling.

Cavities don’t always cause symptoms like pain and sensitivity, especially at first. If you wait until you have serious discomfort to seek treatment, you may need more involved work, such as a root canal. Fillings are a quick, straightforward procedure that cause minimal discomfort.

Dr. Johnson offers several types of dental fillings. Your options include:

Composite resin

Composite fillings, made of a ceramic and plastic compound, are among the most common type of fillings. They match the color of your teeth and look natural. They’re most effective for small fillings.

Porcelain

Like composite, porcelain fillings match the shade of your teeth. It’s a very durable material and effective for filling large cavities.

Gold and silver fillings

Fillings made of cast gold or silver amalgam are very durable and last longer than composite resin or porcelain. However, they look less natural than other kinds of fillings. Dr. Johnson may recommend them if you need a filling near the back of your mouth where it’s not visible.

Dr. Johnson recommends filling materials based on the degree of decay, the location of the affected tooth, and your budget and insurance coverage.

To ensure your fillings last a long time and prevent future cavities, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene the same way everyone should, with or without fillings. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily
• Avoiding sugary or sticky foods
• Limiting teeth-staining foods and drinks like coffee and tea, and rinsing out your mouth with water when you do have them
• Drinking water instead of acidic beverages like juice and soda
• Scheduling teeth cleanings twice a year
• Calling Dr. Johnson if your filling is chipped, loose, or missing

Schedule a dental exam at Northwest Dental Center online or over the phone today.