Dental fillings are one of the most straightforward oral restorations. They are widely used to fill cavities and restore teeth that have undergone minor damage, such as chipping, cracks, and wear. Though metal fillings made from gold, silver, or amalgam were predominantly used a few years ago, they have been replaced by tooth-colored fillings lately. They are either made from dental-grade ceramic or composite resin, which are biocompatible and offer superior properties.
The dentist will decide your candidacy for fillings after conducting a thorough diagnosis of the oral cavity. Initially, the cavity will be cleaned by removing the decay using a hand-held ultrasonic scaling device. The removed debris will be washed off using a jet of water. Next, the filling material will be made by matching it with the color and texture of the natural enamel. The walls of the cavity will be etched using an etching liquid to make their surface rough. This helps the filling adhere well to the tooth and stay firmly in place.
The filling will be placed in the cavity, shaped according to the contour of the tooth, and hardened using a curing light. If any excessive filling is present, it will be trimmed off after taking a bite test. Once its contour is finalized, it may be polished to enhance the luster, making it appear as natural as possible.
To have a consultation with our dentist, please schedule an online appointment or call us at (505) 867-3999, and we will be happy to help.