How Do Dental Fillings Work?
Tooth-colored dental fillings restore teeth that have been damaged by decay. If you have an advanced cavity that needs to be treated, Dr. Michael McCartney will use dental fillings at his Adel, GA, clinic to repair your tooth once the decay and infection have been removed. Designed to blend in with your smile, these restorations are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth so that you can smile without restraint.
With more than 20 years as a practicing dentist and over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. McCartney has the experience and dedication needed to ensure your time at the office is comfortable and safe.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can have both cosmetic and restorative benefits. Many patients have their old silver amalgam or gold fillings replaced with more discreet tooth-colored fillings. Once they have been placed, you can benefit from:
- Improved oral health: Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow and spread, placing the health of your smile in jeopardy. Dental fillings both repair damage already done and seal off the tooth from potential re-infection.
- A more attractive smile: Dental fillings repair damaged enamel on the surface of your teeth. The treatment can also replace unsightly metal fillings, leaving your smile more natural-looking.
- Reduced sensitivity: Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings protect the sensitive inner part of your teeth from changes in temperatures. This may be especially beneficial to patients who already suffer from tooth sensitivity.
- Affordability: Dental fillings a much more affordable restorative option than the crowns, bridges, or dental implants that often become necessary with more severe dental damage.
Are You a Candidate?
Patients with mild to moderate levels of decay are generally good candidates for dental fillings. A seriously infected tooth may need a more involved treatment or even tooth extraction.
Tooth-colored fillings are usually recommended to patients who have:
- A cavity
- Metal fillings that need to be removed
- Old fillings that need replacement
During your appointment, Dr. McCartney will carefully examine your teeth and inquire about your symptoms to make sure that fillings are the most appropriate treatment option for your health needs.
How Are Dental Fillings Placed?
In most cases, Dr. McCartney can place a dental filling in a single, one-hour visit to the office. First, your tooth must be prepped. Using a specialized drill, the doctor will remove the infected portion of your tooth so that no bacteria remain underneath the filling. He may also use a laser or cleaning device to ensure the tooth is completely sterilized.
Dental fillings are designed to repair teeth while keeping your smile looking healthy.
The doctor can then apply the dental filling as a malleable liquid. A special light may be used to hasten the hardening process. Once the filling has hardened, Dr. McCartney may file or polish the filling so that your bite feels natural.
Restore Your Smile to Its Fullest Potential
Dental fillings are designed to repair teeth while keeping your smile looking healthy. If you have concerns about the affordability of our treatments, our office offers CareCredit® and in-house insurance as part of their Smile Savers membership club. Our highly-trained staff is committed to providing you with a friendly and professional experience. If you are ready to schedule your first appointment, contact our office online or call (229) 896-7679.
