The Simple Solution for Stronger and Healthier Teeth
Dental fillings are one of the most common and effective treatments for tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to more serious dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth loss. Whether you’re dealing with a minor cavity or more extensive tooth decay, we’re here to help restore your healthy smile. At Tuckerton Dental, our experienced Tuckerton, NJ dentist, Dr. Ronald Petrosky uses state-of-the-art techniques and materials to provide high-quality dental fillings.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities or decay. During the procedure, Dr. Petrosky removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the resulting cavity with dental filling material. Dental fillings can be made of a variety of materials, including amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, or gold.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings have several benefits, including:
- Restoring tooth structure: Dental fillings help restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities or decay.
- Preventing further decay: By filling in the cavity or hole, the filling material prevents further decay from occurring in the tooth.
- Strengthening teeth: Fillings can help strengthen weakened teeth, protecting them from further damage.
- Improving chewing ability: By repairing damaged teeth, fillings can improve a person’s ability to chew food comfortably and effectively.
- Enhancing appearance: Tooth-colored fillings can blend in with the natural tooth color, enhancing the appearance of the teeth.
- Long-lasting: With proper care and maintenance, dental fillings can last for many years, providing durable restoration for damaged teeth.
- Cost-effective: Dental fillings are a cost-effective way to restore damaged teeth, especially when compared to more complex and expensive dental procedures such as dental implants or bridges.
- Minimal pain and discomfort: The process of getting a dental filling is generally quick and straightforward, and patients typically experience minimal pain or discomfort during or after the procedure.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Fillings?
Anyone who has tooth decay or a cavity is a good candidate for dental fillings. However, your Tuckerton dentist will need to evaluate the severity of the decay to determine if a filling is the appropriate treatment. If the decay is extensive or has reached the inner pulp of the tooth, a more extensive procedure like a root canal or crown may be necessary.
Dental Fillings Process
The dental filling procedure is a common and straightforward treatment for tooth decay. It begins with Dr. Petrosky administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. The next step is to remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument.
Once the decay is removed, your Tuckerton, NJ dentist will thoroughly clean the cavity to remove any remaining debris or bacteria. The cavity is then filled with a dental filling material, which can be made of a variety of materials such as amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, or gold. Dr. Petrosky will choose the material based on the location and extent of the decay as well as the patient’s preferences and budget. Finally, he will shape the filling material to match the natural contours of the tooth and polish it for a smooth finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of dental fillings depends on several factors, such as the material used, the location of the filling, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. Generally, dental fillings can last for several years or even decades if properly cared for.
After getting a dental filling, it’s generally recommended to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before eating or drinking anything. This is because the numbing effect can make it difficult to properly chew food or drink without accidentally biting or burning your mouth. It’s best to wait until you regain full sensation in your mouth before attempting to eat or drink anything.
The process of getting a dental filling typically involves numbing the affected area of your mouth with local anesthesia. You may feel a slight pinch when the anesthesia is administered, but you should not feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If you experience severe pain or discomfort after getting a filling, you should contact your dentist right away.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Petrosky
Dental fillings are a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for tooth decay. At Tuckerton Dental, our dentist uses the latest techniques and materials to provide high-quality dental fillings that restore the function and appearance of your teeth. If you have tooth decay or a cavity, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact us today at (609) 296-1007 or by filling out our online form to schedule an appointment and restore your healthy smile.