When a cavity forms, you need a restoration to prevent the issue from growing worse and threatening the health and stability of your tooth. In order to treat the decay, we may recommend a dental filling. If we decide this is the best choice for you, what can you expect? How do we place dental fillings? Will they blend with the tooth?
Try Our Quiz on Dental Filling Placement
- True or False: We make them using a composite resin.
- True or False: Placement can occur in one visit.
- True or False: A toothache could be a warning sign of decay.
- True or False: Without treatment, an infection can develop.
Answer Key
- True. Instead of using amalgam, we use a metal-free material. Composite resin can be shaded to better blend with our tooth. As a result, your restoration will be more natural looking, matching your tooth instead of standing out from it.
- True. We first prepare the tooth by cleaning it, etching the surface, and then drying the area. We then apply the resin. As the resin cures under a light, the doctor will sculpt and mold it. Finally, we polish the tooth to ensure a more lifelike appearance. Every step occurs in the same sitting.
- True. If you notice your tooth feels sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or if you have a toothache that won’t subside after 48 hours, then you may have a cavity. We suggest seeing the dentist as soon as possible. We can examine your tooth and if necessary, place a restoration to repair the tooth.
- True. Decay will continue to grow and spread until bacteria comes into contact with the inner pulp. Then, a serious infection or abscess can form, requiring a root canal or in extreme cases, extraction. If you have any questions about treating tooth decay, then contact our office today.
Interested in Dental Fillings?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can correct cavities with lifelike dental fillings. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
