Filling

The Reason

Dental fillings are performed by your dentist to treat cavities (tooth decay) and repair cracked, broken, or severely worn teeth. Your filling appointment will include a focused dental exam and the following:

• Removal of tooth decay: Decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel caused by acid-producing bacteria and plaque. The decayed portion of the tooth must be carefully removed using special dental instruments to prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the tooth or nerve.

• Restoration of tooth structure: Once the decay is removed, the empty space is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a durable restorative material (such as tooth-colored composite resin). This seals the area and prevents bacteria from re-entering!

• Teeth polishing and bite adjustment: Remove any excess filling material, shape the tooth to its natural contours, and polish the final restoration so it is smooth and your bite feels perfectly aligned.

The filling procedure includes

A focused evaluation and restoration will be performed by your dentist at your filling visit. During your appointment, your dentist and dental assistant will include the following:

• Administration of local anesthesia: Essential for ensuring the area around the affected tooth is completely numb so you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Check the exact size and depth of the cavity to ensure the root and surrounding bone are healthy before placing the filling

• Tooth preparation: All tooth surfaces immediately surrounding the cavity will be cleaned and conditioned with special dental gels to ensure a strong, long-lasting bond with the filling material

• Placement and curing of material: The filling material is carefully applied in layers and hardened securely into place using a specialized dental curing light

• Examination of the final restoration: Check the newly placed filling and test your bite with articulating paper to ensure it fits naturally against your opposing teeth

Summary

A focused evaluation and restoration will be performed by your dentist at your filling visit. During your appointment, your dentist and dental assistant will include the following:

• Administration of local anesthesia: Essential for ensuring the area around the affected tooth is completely numb so you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Check the exact size and depth of the cavity to ensure the root and surrounding bone are healthy before placing the filling

• Tooth preparation: All tooth surfaces immediately surrounding the cavity will be cleaned and conditioned with special dental gels to ensure a strong, long-lasting bond with the filling material

• Placement and curing of material: The filling material is carefully applied in layers and hardened securely into place using a specialized dental curing light

• Examination of the final restoration: Check the newly placed filling and test your bite with articulating paper to ensure it fits naturally against your opposing teeth