If you have a cavity, you need a filling. While many people think fillings are painful, getting a filling can relieve tooth pain from cavities and prevent future decay. Dr. Chad Boustany is your general dentist in Charleston, WV, offering dental fillings near you. Our dental services can relieve tooth sensitivity and pain for a comfortable bite.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are small holes or pits in the teeth that form when harmful bacteria damage the hard outer layer of your tooth, called enamel. Enamel is the protective coating that keeps your teeth strong, but once it starts to wear down, it can’t repair itself on its own.
Bacteria naturally live in your mouth, but when you don’t brush or floss regularly, they begin to grow and collect on your teeth. Eating sugary snacks, sticky foods, or drinking sweet drinks can also feed these bacteria. They can also hide in the grooves and cracks on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where food particles often get stuck.
As bacteria build up, they form a sticky layer called plaque. This plaque produces acids that attack the enamel. Over time, these acids weaken the tooth and create tiny holes, which become cavities. If cavities aren’t treated, they can cause:
- Tooth pain and discomfort
- Visible pits in teeth
- Brown or white spots on teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature and pressure
- Bad breath
Please call Revive Dental if you notice any of these signs of cavities. We’ll thoroughly examine your mouth and see if you’re a good candidate for a dental filling.
The Benefits of Dental Fillings
Getting dental fillings in our Charleston, WV, dentist office offers many advantages. Fillings are one of the most common treatments for cavities. These treatments play an important role in keeping your smile healthy and strong.
Stop Decay
One of the main benefits of dental fillings is that they stop tooth decay from spreading. When a cavity is left untreated, it can grow larger and reach deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, or even tooth loss. A filling seals the damaged area, protecting the rest of the tooth from further harm.
Look Natural
Fillings also help restore the natural shape and function of your tooth. After treatment, you’ll be able to chew and bite comfortably without sensitivity or discomfort. Many fillings are made with tooth-colored materials, so they blend in with your natural teeth and keep your smile looking natural.
Simple Treatment
Another benefit is that getting a filling is a quick and simple procedure. Most patients can have a cavity treated in just one appointment, often without much discomfort. By taking care of cavities early, you avoid more complicated and costly treatments, such as root canals or extractions, later on.
White vs. Metal Fillings
Traditional fillings are made from different types of metals like copper and tin and mixed with liquid mercury. Almaglam fillings are strong but noticeable, even if you get these types of fillings on your molars.
Composite dental fillings are sometimes called “white fillings.” These are made from a durable and tooth-colored material that blends in with your natural teeth. Composite fillings are designed to look almost invisible. They’re useful for visible teeth, but they are also strong enough for most back teeth.
While both metal and composite fillings can restore function, most patients today prefer white fillings for their appearance and strength. Our office often recommends white fillings that blend in with your teeth.
The Dental Filling Process at Revive Dental
Dr. Boustany will begin the filling process with an exam. He’ll look at your teeth, review any X-rays if needed, and check the size and location of the cavity. This step helps him decide the best way to restore your tooth.
Next, Dr. Boustany will numb the area around the tooth to make sure you feel comfortable during treatment. Most patients only feel slight pressure or vibrations but no pain. Once the area is numb, he’ll gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This step prepares the tooth for the filling.
Then he cleans the tooth to remove any remaining bacteria or debris. Dr. Boustany will place the filling material into the prepared space. At Revive Dental, we use high-quality, tooth-colored materials that blend in with your smile. The filling is shaped and polished so that it feels smooth and matches the way your teeth bite together.
You can get a dental filling in one office visit. With proper care, dental fillings can last for many years, giving you long-term protection and peace of mind. Remember to gently brush and floss every day and visit us for regular dental check-ups.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you need to treat tooth damage from decay? Call Revive Dental for tooth fillings in our Charleston, WV, dental office at 304-396-6658. You can also request an appointment with us online.