What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings, also known as cavity fillings, are a common and painless procedure used to restore teeth affected by decay. A dental filling at Atherton Smiles involves removing decayed material, cleaning the cavity, and filling it with a suitable material to prevent further damage. The tooth filling cost can vary based on the material used and the complexity of the procedure.
So what is the dental filling process?
At Atherton Smiles, we believe in a professional and transparent approach. Your dentist in Atherton will take you through the whole process of your dental fillings during your first consultation. Here is the process of a dental filling at Atherton Smiles:
- Examination and diagnosis: Your dentist in Atherton will examine the tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of decay.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered by our Atherton dental professional to numb the affected area and ensure a painless procedure.
- Decay removal: The decayed tooth material is removed by your orthodontist at Atherton Smiles using a dental drill or laser.
- Cleaning the cavity: Your Atherton dentist will make sure the cavity is thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria and debris.
- Filling the cavity: The cleaned cavity is filled with a chosen filling material (for example, composite resin or amalgam fillings).
- Shaping and contouring: The dentist at our Atherton dental clinic shapes and contours the filling to match the natural tooth structure.
- Hardening: A special light may be used by your dentist to harden composite resin fillings.
- Polishing: Your dentist will proceed to polish the filling to smooth out any rough edges and ensure a natural look and feel.
After your dental filling procedure, our Atherton dental team will provide you with post-procedure instructions. You will be guided on oral care and given a list of foods to avoid (such as hard or sticky foods).
What is it like to visit us?
Who needs a tooth filling?
A patient might need a dental filling at Atherton Smiles if they experience symptoms such as:
- Toothache
- Sensitivity
- Visible holes in their teeth
It is important you schedule regular checkups with your dentist in Atherton, as early cavities often go unnoticed and can only be detected during these checkups at our Atherton dental clinic.
Ignoring early decay can lead to more severe issues resulting in higher costs and more extensive treatments, such as:
- The need for a root canal
- Tooth extraction
- Tooth loss
The main benefits of dental fillings are:
- Tooth function restoration, allowing chewing and biting.
- Prevention of further decay, which could lead to other more important dental procedures.
- Decreasing tooth pain caused by decay.
- Preservation of your natural tooth.
- Improvement of oral health, reducing risks of infections.
- Dental fillings being a quick and minimally invasive procedure.
At Atherton Smiles, we prioritize early prevention and offer cosmetic tooth-colored fillings to ensure your smile remains healthy and attractive. Regular dental checkups and prompt treatment of cavities can save you from significant dental problems and expenses in the future.
It is worth noting that dental insurance typically covers two checkups a year, making it crucial to attend these appointments for early detection. As previously mentioned, ignoring early decay can lead to more severe issues, such as the need for a root canal, tooth extraction, or even tooth loss, resulting in higher costs and more extensive treatments.
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