Dental fillings are used to fill cavities and repair cracked or broken teeth. Fillings can be made of gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam, but today, they are most commonly created using composite resin that is designed to match the natural color of your teeth.
To fill a tooth, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth. A laser or air abrasion instrument will be used to remove the decayed area, and your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. In some cases, your dentist may apply a liner for your tooth called a glass ionomer to help protect the tooth and nerve before the tooth is filled. After your filling is placed, it will be polished to feel smooth and natural.
The procedure can vary in time and cost depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth. If you have any questions about fillings, please call our office at (414) 462-3160 today.
