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Fillings are Provided By Elite Dental located in San Antonio, Pleasanton, and New Braunfels
Are you in pain due to a toothache? It could be a sign of cavities and Elite Dental is here to help. We offer fillings and tooth-colored fillings in San Antonio, Pleasanton, and New Braunfels, so you can get the care you need to restore the shape and function of your teeth. Plus, our modern techniques and advanced filling materials make the process as comfortable and efficient as possible.
We don’t want you to feel any discomfort during your appointment, so we offer a range of sedation options. Our team of highly trained professionals is experienced in providing fillings and can do it quickly and painlessly. We want to make sure your smile is healthy, strong, and beautiful, and we look forward to helping you.
If you’d like to learn more about dental fillings, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and visit our dental office. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and book an appointment.
Dental Cavity or Tooth Decay
A dental cavity or tooth decay is a hole that forms in the enamel of a tooth. Cavities are caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it can create an acidic environment that weakens the enamel and allows decay-causing bacteria to form cavities.
Untreated cavities can lead to more serious dental problems. If a cavity is not filled, tooth decay can spread to the inner layers of the tooth and cause an infection. This infection can cause severe pain, lead to tooth loss, and even spread to other parts of the body. If cavities are detected early, they can be treated with dental fillings, which seal the cavity and protect the tooth from further decay. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent cavities from forming.
How Do I Know if I Have a Cavity?
Are you experiencing any unusual tooth pain that won’t go away? Have you noticed any dark spots on your teeth? Do you find yourself avoiding chewing on a particular tooth? Is your mouth becoming sensitive to hot and cold liquids? These may all be signs of a cavity.
At Elite Dental, we have a variety of methods for cavity detection. We look for discolorations that may be an indication of decay, as well as weak spots in the enamel. Additionally, we may use specialized dyes and x-rays to get a more comprehensive view of your oral health.
We want to make sure that your teeth are in the best condition possible. That’s why we take the time to thoroughly inspect and diagnose any cavities, giving you the best possible care.
What's a dental filling?
A dental filling is a restorative procedure used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, trauma, or wear. The dentist removes the decayed material from the tooth and then “fills” the area with a material such as composite resin, porcelain, gold, or amalgam fillings.
Once the decayed material is removed, the dentist will shape the area to prepare it for the filling material. The material will be placed and shaped to match the contours of the tooth, and then hardened with a special light. After the filling has been hardened, the dentist will polish it to make it smooth and natural looking and you’d have a newly filled tooth. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. With proper care and regular checkups, fillings can last for many years.
Dental Filling Materials
Dental filling materials are materials used to fill cavities or repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay. They are used to restore a tooth to its normal function and appearance. Common types of dental filling materials include composite resin, dental amalgam, porcelain, and glass ionomer cement.
Composite resin is a popular choice because it can be color-matched to the natural color of the tooth and is strong and durable. Dental Amalgam, which is silver fillings, is strong, but not as aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain is a popular choice for its natural appearance, but is not as durable as composite resin. Glass ionomer cement is also used for its ability to bond to the tooth and release fluoride. Each type of dental filling material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and a dentist will discuss the best option for each patient.
How Do We Place Fillings?
We want to make sure we provide you with the best possible dental fillings to safeguard your teeth. To do this, we’ll take the following steps:
We’ll offer anesthesia to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible before we start treatment. Then, we’ll remove all of the oral decay before placing the filling, so that no bacteria is trapped in the tooth. Afterward, we’ll polish the tooth to prepare it for the filling. After that, we’ll use a special gel to make sure the filling material binds properly to the tooth. Once that’s done, we’ll add the material and cure it with a special blue light.
Before we wrap up, we’ll always give you the chance to review our work. Having a cavity filled can restore your functionality, prevent further decay, and even out the surface of your tooth. Additionally, we may suggest additional treatments to further protect your teeth, such as fluoride treatments, sealants, or special mouthwashes. These treatments can help remineralize the teeth, cover the pits and grooves, and reduce inflammation and decay-causing bacteria. With these treatments, your teeth will stay strong and healthy for many years to come.
FAQ's
What are the types of fillings?
1. Silver Amalgam Fillings:
Amalgam fillings, also known as dental amalgams, are a mixture of metals, such as silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are strong, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive.
2. Composite Fillings:
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are made from a mixture of plastic and glass. They are more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings, but they are more expensive and not as durable.
3. Ceramic Fillings:
Ceramic fillings are made from a type of porcelain. They are more expensive than other types of fillings, but they are strong and long-lasting.
4. Gold Fillings:
Gold fillings are made from a mixture of gold and other metals. They are the most expensive, but they are also the most durable.
5. Resin Fillings:
Resin fillings are made from plastic. They are less expensive than other types of fillings and they are the most aesthetically pleasing. However, they are not as durable as other types of fillings.
What type of tooth filling is best?
The type of tooth filling that is best for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the cavity, the location of the cavity, and your overall dental health. Generally, composite fillings are considered the most aesthetically pleasing and can be used for both small and large cavities.
Amalgam fillings are also commonly used and are more affordable than composite fillings. Inlays and onlays are recommended for larger cavities and can provide a more natural-looking restoration. Ultimately, the best type of tooth filling for you can only be determined by your dentist.
How long do fillings last?
Fillings are an effective and popular way to treat cavities and other tooth decay, but how long do they last? A filling can last many years, but its longevity will depend on the type of filling used, the size of the filling, the location of the filling, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits.
For example, a composite filling may last up to ten years, whereas a silver amalgam filling can last up to fifteen years. To ensure your filling lasts as long as possible, you should follow good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups.
Call Elite Dental in San Antonio, Pleasanton, and New Braunfels for Dental Fillings
At Elite Dental, our mission is to make sure your teeth stay healthy and cavity-free. However, if you find yourself in need of a dental filling, Dr. Mohan and Dr. Veena will be sure to provide you with a tailored solution. We are located in San Antonio and would love to help you; so don’t hesitate to call us and book an appointment. Let us show you the exceptional care that Elite Dental has to offer!
We understand the apprehension that comes with getting a dental filling, which is why our staff will take the time to answer your questions and explain the procedure. We’ll also provide you with several options, so you can make a choice that’s right for your specific needs. Our team is entirely dedicated to making sure your experience is a positive one and that your teeth are restored to optimal health.
