Fillings are a restoration procedure used to replace tooth structure that is decayed. Fillings are also used to repair fractured, broken, or severely worn teeth.
Modern dentistry has allowed us to combine beauty with strength when filling teeth. Fillings are made from a variety of materials that will closely mimic the look and feel of the natural tooth, creating a restoration that’s nearly indiscernable from the original tooth’s strength and appearance.
The dentist will begin the procedure by cavity preparation - removing any remaining decay and shaping the final cavity. The next step will be the addition of a composite-resin filling material, which is then cured (hardened) with a curing light. The final step will be polishing the filling to adapt it smoothly to the natural shape of the tooth.
In some cases cavity preparation could become very large for the filling and the dentist will recommend an inlay or an onlay (partial crown) rather than a filling - a restoration procedure designed to replace more tooth structure than a normal filling. This is accomplished by having an impression made and the inlay or onlay prepared in a dental laboratory. The final placement of the inlay or onlay will be made during a second visit at Johanna Nogay, DMD.
Fillings do not last forever so it is essential that you visit us regularly for scheduled check-ups. Fillings can develop cracks or simply wear down due to chewing forces. The dentist monitors the integrity of your fillings during regular exams and will recommend replacing a filling if a problem is detected.
