Dr. Joseph Mejia, DDS & Dr. Walter Bicknese, DDS
Fillings
Simple cavities are treated with a filling. A tooth filling is a type of dental restoration which repairs damage caused by tooth decay and prolongs the life of the tooth. Dr. Mejia will remove the decayed tooth structure and replace it with a filling. The filling will either be an amalgam or a composite.
Amalgam (silver) fillings
Silver-colored amalgam cavity fillings are made from a mixture of metals. One downside is the esthetics. They are usually avoided for front teeth.
Resin composite (white) fillings
The resin-based composite material is shaded to match your natural tooth color as closely as possible, making the filling hardly noticeable.
How do I know if I need a filling?
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Decay noted during dental exam
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Sensitivity in your teeth.
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Discomfort when eating sugary or acidic food.
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Visible pitting or the appearance of holes in your teeth
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White, brown, or black staining appearing on your teeth
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Often there are no symptoms associated with cavities
Some cavities are too large for a filling. If the damage is very extensive, and too much tooth structure is missing, a dental crown may be needed. If the cavity is too large or the tooth has become infected, this can lead to an abscess, and may require a root canal.
Approximately 91% of U.S. adults aged 20–64 have had dental caries in permanent teeth (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db197.htm)
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us!