Dental Fillings

Even if you schedule regular dental exams and have a good daily oral hygiene routine, you can still get a cavity. Once a cavity has formed, it is important that you get it treated as soon as possible to prevent tooth decay from further damaging the tooth.

If you should get a cavity, Noles Family Dental can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that corrects the current problem and also tries to prevent future problems.

Dental Fillings Restore and Strengthen Teeth

Every day, the outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, is exposed to bacteria and acids. Regular brushing and flossing typically remove the bacteria and acids from the mouth before they cause problems. However, sometimes the bacteria and acid cause damage or weaken the enamel. When this happens, it is called tooth decay.

Tooth decay will continue to destroy the surface of your teeth until it is removed. After tooth decay is removed, the tooth is naturally weakened. Dental fillings, made of tooth-colored composite resin, strengthen your teeth. The stronger your teeth are, the longer they last.

You Could Have a Cavity and Not Know It

It is not uncommon that many of our patients are surprised to discover they have a cavity. When tooth decay first starts to wear away at the enamel and weakens it, it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. It isn’t until the cavity becomes larger that the common symptoms, such as sensitivity to heat/cold or pain and discomfort, start to occur.

Scheduling regular dental exams is the best way to identify problem areas that are susceptible to cavities. During your exam, our team uses a special dental instrument that shows us where tooth decay is present.

Even if a cavity has not formed yet, the use of this dental instrument allows us to notice if a tooth’s enamel is weakened. Cavities are more likely to form in areas where the enamel is weakened.

Tooth decay formed between teeth or around the gum line can sometimes be difficult to see during a visual examination. Digital X-rays can help us see these areas and determine the presence of tooth decay.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Fillings?

There are several reasons why we may recommend getting dental fillings as part of your treatment plan. Some of the reasons include:

• A cavity may not be present, but the enamel may be so soft that a small dental filling can provide the extra strength to protect against future damage
• Tooth decay needs to be removed before it further wears away at the enamel or causes additional problems
• Old composite fillings that may have loosened or silver fillings that may cause problems in the future should be replaced.

A complete examination is the only way to tell if you are a good candidate for dental fillings.

Dental Fillings in Greensburg, IN

If you believe you may have a cavity, call Noles Family Dental to schedule an appointment. Remember, it is better to get the cavity treated soon rather than later. Our dental staff can help you explore treatment options that will remove your tooth decay and help improve your oral health.