Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay and to prevent further decay. Basically, the dentist removes the decay, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cavity with a dental filling material such as porcelain, composite (plastic) resin (tooth color), gold or amalgam (silver). The type of filling material depends on the extent of the damage to the tooth, the area, allergies and cost.

In some cases, a crown may be required if the decay has affected a large portion of the tooth. If the decay has reached the nerve, then a root canal treatment will be necessary. Only one of our dentists can detect if you need a dental filling during your routine check ups and usually by checking with special instruments and a dental x-ray.