Categories: Composite Fillings

When Is a Dental Filling Needed?

A dental filling is one of the most common ways to restore teeth that are in bad shape. They have been used for many years for patients of all ages. Because there are many different types of dental restorations, it can be difficult to know in what situation each is used. Keep reading to learn more about dental fillings.

What is a dental filling and when is it needed?

Below is a quick overview of dental fillings, including what they are and when they are needed. This information can be helpful to review when trying to determine what type of restoration is needed.

About dental fillings

A dental filling is a restoration involving the application of material into the cavity of a tooth. Dental fillings can be made of gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, or composite resin, depending on the patient's preference and needs.

The procedure is most commonly performed in a general dentistry setting. The dentist will start by removing decayed or damaged parts of the tooth with a dental drill. Then, quick cleaning of the tooth will take place to remove debris. To finish, the filling material of choice will be put directly into the tooth in order to seal it off from further damage.

When a dental filling is needed

Dental fillings are one of the most common restorations used in general dentistry. Patients of all ages will likely require a dental filling at one point or another throughout their lives. Outlined below are a few of the most common situations in which a dental filling is needed.

  • When a tooth is infected, the result is often an empty cavity, which requires a dental filling to repair it
  • If a tooth has a minor crack or chip in it, the dentist can place a filling to restore the structure of the tooth
  • Some teeth have divots in them, which makes their surface uneven. A dental filling can even out the surface, thus making for an even smile and a better chewing experience

There may be other specific, patient-related uses for dental fillings, however, these can be identified during a consultation with a dentist.

Other things to know about dental fillings

Most people are curious as to whether or not a dental filling procedure will cause any discomfort or pain. The answer is yes and no. Some patients respond well to these procedures, where there is only slight discomfort, but others may experience some level of pain. General dentists usually provide a numbing agent, and some also offer laughing gas to ensure that the patient remains calm throughout the procedure.

Do you need a dental filling?

When looking for further information on dental fillings, it is best to consult directly with a general dentist who can provide specific details. Any questions or concerns can be addressed, and an evaluation can be done in order to determine if a dental filling is a sufficient restoration. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.springfieldmoderndental.com or call Modern Dental of Springfield at (217) 321-4552 for an appointment in our Springfield office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in Springfield, IL.

Related Posts

How A Dentist Treats A Loose Dental Filling

Dental fillings typically last between 10 and 12 years before they are more vulnerable to coming loose and requiring special dental care to be repaired. This review discusses how a dentist can treat a loose dental filling, along with insights into how long you can expect filings to last, the signs of a loose dental…

Why You Should Get Cavities Treated With Dental Fillings

The most popular way to treat cavities is with dental fillings. Cavities are holes in the teeth caused by decay, often from overindulgence in sugary foods and drinks like candy and soda. They are used to fill these holes in the teeth and prevent further tooth decay. Fillings can be made of materials such as…

How Cosmetic Dentists Tailor Treatments To Your Unique Features

Your cosmetic dentist can transform your smile by providing tailor-fit treatments. Creating your care plan will depend on your features. Doing so will have more natural results. Here is how your cosmetic dentist tailors specific treatments to your features.Procedures in this field need more than a dentist’s technical skills. The cosmetic dentist must also possess…

5 Reasons To Consult A Cosmetic Dentist

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you may want to consider consulting a cosmetic dentist. They can help you improve the aesthetic of your teeth and offer other treatments that will make your smile look brighter and more confident. This blog post will discuss five of the most important reasons to…

Modern Dental of Springfield

Share
Published by
Modern Dental of Springfield

Recent Posts

How Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Are Connected

The one thing connecting gum disease and tooth decay is bacterial plaque. With a diligent…

3 weeks ago

Root Canal Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated…

2 months ago

How a Dentist Treats a Loose Dental Filling

A loose dental filling occurs when the adhesive material that holds the filling in place…

3 months ago

Benefits of General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…

4 months ago

Ask a Dentist: How Do I Prepare for a Dental Bridges Procedure?

When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find…

5 months ago

Maintenance Tips for Your Dental Veneers

A growing number of people are choosing dental veneers due to their popularity as a…

6 months ago