Fillings

Dentist in San Diego

When harmful bacteria collect on your teeth, this can lead to decay. To repair this damage, your dentist can remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill in the affected area. This filling will protect the tooth from further decay or infection. Your dentist may also recommend fillings to repair broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth.

Should decay be left untreated, it can worsen, causing further infection and severe pain. An infected tooth may eventually require a root canal or an extraction.

Procedure

Fillings are made of resin, which is visually undetectable and also offers an aesthetically pleasing solution to the problem of a decayed tooth.

Your dentist will use the following process to place a resin filling:

• Isolate the tooth from saliva to keep it dry.
• Remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
• Place the resin in layers over the affected area.
• Use an LED light to harden each layer of resin.
• Shape and polish the resin to give the tooth a natural look after the filling process is complete.

You can decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases by:

• Avoiding eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods and beverages
• Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily
• Scheduling regular professional cleanings