What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a restoration that’s designed to fill in an area of a tooth that has become decayed. Tooth decay, or cavities, can occur as a result of a poor diet and poor oral hygiene habits. Unfortunately, if tooth decay is ignored, it can get worse and lead to the need for a root canal. Before this happens, the decay is carefully removed from the tooth and then replaced with a filling.
Why Would Dental Fillings Be Needed?
The most common reason for needing a filling is because you have a cavity. Cavities are often caused by improper brushing and flossing as well as a diet that is high in sugar. While children are often more prone to tooth decay, adults can get cavities as well. If you have a cavity, it is best to have the decay removed as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Who Is A Candidate For Dental Fillings?
Most smaller cavities will exhibit little to no symptoms, which can make it difficult to know that there’s a problem. This is why it is important to come in for regular checkup appointments. During these appointments, we examine the teeth using a dental instrument known as an explorer. This explorer essentially searches a tooth’s surface for softer areas that would signal decay. In some cases, x-rays are necessary in finding cavities that need treatment.
What Happens During The Procedure For Dental Fillings?
The procedure begins with anesthetic, which is used to numb a specific area within the mouth. We then carefully remove the decay from the tooth. The small hole that is left behind is then prepped to receive the tooth-colored filling. We pour and pack composite resin into the hole and smooth it into place. The resin is cured with a special dental light to ensure it stays in place securely. You can expect most tooth-colored composite fillings to last for about a decade before replacement is needed.
A Safer Smile: BPA-Free Dental Fillings for Whole-Body Health
At our biological dentistry practice, we believe that every dental treatment should support not just your smile, but your overall well-being. That’s why we offer BPA-free dental fillings, ensuring that your body is exposed only to the safest, most biocompatible materials.
Traditional composite fillings often contain BPA (bisphenol-A), a chemical linked to potential endocrine disruption. But in our commitment to holistic care, we use advanced, non-toxic alternatives that restore your teeth without compromising your health.
Whether you're replacing old fillings or need a new restoration, our BPA-free solutions blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while aligning with your body’s harmony. Your smile should be as healthy as it is beautiful—and with biocompatible dentistry, it can be.
If you think you might need a dental filling, call us today and we will be happy to further assist in answering your questions regarding this procedure.