Fillings

One of the most common procedures at any dentist office is a filling. When a tooth has been decayed by a cavity, or teeth have become cracked and/or broken due to wear from things like grinding your teeth or using your teeth to open things, your dentist might suggest a filling.

Getting a Dental Filling

When you come to the office for your filling appointment, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area for comfort. The decayed or worn area will then be removed by Dr. Drews or Dr. Lake using either a drill or a laser. At this time, the tooth will be cleaned and prepped, which gives the “filling” material a surface to bond to.

At that time, typically a composite resin (white filling material), will be placed in the hole, and a light will be used to “cure” the material so that it becomes hard. A drill is then used to shape the filling material into the natural curves of the tooth, at which time your bite will be tested and adjusted to ensure that chewing forces are naturally distributed against the opposing teeth.

Dental Filling Materials

There are several different types of materials that can be used for a dental filling, however the most common is the tooth colored plastic and glass materials that are used in a ‘composite resin,’ for the obvious cosmetic reasons. Silver amalgam fillings are another alternative, and would typically be placed on a back molar. The location and extent of decay, as well as personal preference, will determine what will be the best type of filling to place for your specific situation.

If you have a chipped tooth, a broken tooth, or feel that you might have a spot of decay, give us a call at (207) 782-5308, or contact us to schedule a cleaning appointment and let us help you restore your smile.

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