What Happens During a Filling
- 1
Dr. Dawson examines the tooth and reviews any necessary digital X-rays to determine the extent of the cavity or damage.
- 2
The area is gently numbed to help keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
- 3
The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
- 4
The tooth is cleaned and prepared for the composite filling material.
- 5
Tooth-colored composite is placed in layers and shaped to restore the natural form of the tooth.
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The filling is hardened, polished, and adjusted so your bite feels comfortable.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Composite fillings are matched to the shade of your natural teeth, allowing them to blend into your smile more discreetly than traditional silver-colored fillings.
Why Treat a Cavity Early?
A small cavity is usually easier and more affordable to repair. Without treatment, decay can spread deeper into the tooth and may eventually require a larger filling, crown, root canal, or extraction.
Small Cavities Do Not Heal on Their Own
Tooth decay generally continues to progress once it reaches the inner tooth structure. Treating it early helps preserve more of your natural tooth and reduces the likelihood of more extensive dental work later.
When Might You Need a Filling?
You may need a tooth-colored filling if you have a cavity, a small chip, minor wear, a damaged older filling, or an area of tooth structure that needs repair. Some cavities cause sensitivity or discomfort, while others are only identified during an exam or on an X-ray.
What If the Tooth Needs More Than a Filling?
When a tooth has a large cavity, significant fracture, or too little healthy structure remaining, a dental crown may provide better long-term protection. We will explain what we see and recommend the most conservative appropriate treatment for your tooth.