Fillings
2K Dental
Cosmetic, Family and General Dentists & Aesthetic and Implant Dentists located in Parma, OH, Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and Akron, OH
Don’t ignore signs of tooth decay. Left untreated, cavities lead to gum disease and eventually, tooth loss. The team at 2K Dental provides dental fillings to patients in Parma, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Aurora, Ohio. To find out if you need fillings or other restorative dentistry, call the practice to book an appointment for a cleaning and dental exam today.
Fillings Q&A
What are fillings?
A tooth damaged by decay or cavities requires a filling to protect the tooth against future damage. Without dental fillings, decay continues to grow, causing gum disease, pain, and even tooth loss. Teeth with fillings are as strong as healthy teeth, and look and feel like natural teeth as well.
What are fillings made of?
In years past, fillings were made from amalgam (silver) or gold. Today’s dental fillings are hard substances made from porcelain, composite resin, or glass-ionomer cement, which can match the color of your natural teeth to maintain your smile.
What is the dental filling procedure?
If you have a cavity and your dentist determines a filling is necessary, they apply a numbing agent to the treatment area if needed. Small cavities don’t always require numbing, but 2K Dental takes steps to ensure your comfort at all times.
Once numb, your 2K Dental provider prepares the damaged tooth by carefully removing dental decay. They place dental filling material in the hole to protect the tooth against further decay, and then apply a light to harden the filling to match the strength and function capabilities of your natural teeth.
After your filling has hardened, your provider polishes the material and trims it to the correct size. They also check your bite to ensure that all of your teeth touch comfortably when you close your mouth.
For excessive tooth damage, 2K Dental dentists suggest other dental restoration options, such as root canals, dental crowns, dental implants, or bridges.
How long do dental fillings last?
Properly cared for fillings last a lifetime. Caring for dental fillings requires the same oral hygiene routine as caring for the rest of your teeth. You should brush and floss your teeth twice each day to prevent plaque buildup and schedule twice annual dental cleanings and exams at 2K Dental.
You can help prolong the life of your dental fillings with a careful diet. Dental fillings may chip or crack if you chew on hard foods, ice, or other hard objects. Chewy foods may pull dental fillings out.
If it’s been more than six months since your last professional dental cleaning and exam, or if you’re experiencing discomfort or pain around a tooth, call 2K Dental to schedule an appointment today.