Tooth-Colored Fillings

If your dentist has detected a cavity, you will be recommended to come back for another visit to have it filled. A cavity is a hole that has formed in the tooth and resulted in permanent damage. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth, and anyone can develop them. Good oral hygiene is your best defense against cavities.

Once your tooth has a cavity, it must be treated as if it will never heal. In most cases, these are treated with a filling.

What to Expect

After being diagnosed, your dentist will ask you to return at a later date to receive a restoration, a filling. At this visit, you can expect:

Numbing the area with a local anesthetic
Removing any decay
Filling in the opening or hole with a tooth-colored material

After receiving the filling, your dentist will instruct you with aftercare instructions. Fillings can last for many years, but they may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear.

What if My Child Needs a Filling?

The process is generally the same for adults and children. However, we get asked a lot about the importance of baby teeth. Parents commonly ask, “Why does the tooth need to be treated? It’s a baby tooth and will fall out.” Our response; you need to treat baby teeth as they serve many crucial functions. Not only do baby teeth help with essential things like eating, chewing, speech, and placeholders for permanent teeth, but decay left untreated can be very painful. Whether you are an adult or a child, cavities must be treated.

“When we moved here, we needed to find a dentist. These guys are great. Very friendly and helpful, and you can’t beat evening hours! Great with insurance and very quick to answer questions. In fact, they have even called when I told them how desperate I was for a specific time. I have no complaints. Oh, and the dentists take great care in knowing that you are comfortable during any of their procedures.”

— Kristen C.