Dental Fillings
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are restorations that are used to fill in areas of decay in one or more natural teeth. A cavity can form for a variety of reason, but most commonly, tooth decay is caused by improper brushing and flossing as well as poor dietary habits. When a cavity forms, the decay should be removed and a filling put into its place. We offer composite resin (tooth-colored), amalgam and even gold fillings to fit the needs of our patients.
Why are Dental Fillings needed?
A dental filling may be necessary if you have a cavity. Cavities will not go away or heal on their own. Once decay has developed, it typically only gets worse with time. Before the decay is allowed to compromise the health of the entire tooth, it should be removed and a filling put into its place.
Who is a candidate for a Dental Filling?
Dr. Letran will examine your teeth to determine if you have a cavity and if a filling is sufficient enough to repair the tooth. If you do have one or more cavities, it’s best to have them treated as soon as possible to prevent the decay from worsening. The filling process is easy and quick, and it can be done on virtually any tooth within the mouth. Fillings can be helpful for both pediatric and adult patients alike.
What happens during the Dental Filling procedure?
The procedure begins with a local anesthetic administered to numb the area. Dr. Letran will then remove the decay from the tooth fully. The small hole is then prepared to receive the filling material. For composite resin, the material is placed into the tooth, smoothed into place and then cured with a brilliant light. Amalgam fillings are mixed in-office and then packed into the hole of the tooth. Gold fillings typically require two appointments, but they are similarly placed into the tooth itself.
If you think you might need a filling and want to schedule an appointment, call us today and we can get you in right away. We’ve been proud to be serving those in the Mountain View and El Monte areas for 15 years. We specialize in a range of dental services and can even provide care to those who require Spanish bilingual services to communicate.