Tooth Fillings
Tooth decay and cavities are common dental issues. Receiving a tooth-colored filling to restore your tooth helps prevent the problem from developing into something worse.
Tooth Fillings
If your child finds out they have a cavity, they will require a tooth filling to fix the problem. Tooth fillings are very common and have a high success rate. They can even be used to help with mild tooth decay or deterioration. At Grin Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings so they appear as natural teeth and won’t be visible for others to see or notice.
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How do cavity fillings work?
During the filling procedure, your pediatric dentist will clean away the decay inside of the cavity with a drill to prevent further damage. Once that is done, they will fill the tooth back up to replace the part of the tooth that is missing or destroyed by tooth decay.
Your pediatric dentist molds the filling to match the shape of the surrounding tooth, which restores the strength and integrity of the tooth and prevents further decay from happening.
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What types of filling materials are available?
There are several types of materials available that are used for fillings, which include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper), tooth-colored plastic and composite resin fillings. There is also a material that contains glass particles and is known as glass ionomer. This material is used in ways similar to the use of composite resin fillings. Which type is used depends on your dentist, the extent and location of your tooth decay, and sometimes, your insurance coverage.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about tooth fillings, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.