Dental Fillings and Cavities – Heathrow / Lake Mary, FL.
Chances are you will experience a dental filling at some point in your life. Dental fillings are an important part of maintaining and restoring your natural tooth. They can be used to address tooth decay, cavities, and minor tooth damage.
Fillings are fairly routine and, with the latest dental technology, are not as painful. If you have decay or a damaged tooth, it is important to have it treated with a filling as soon as possible. If ignored, the compromised tooth may get worse and need a root canal or even extraction.
At Dental Associates of Heathrow, we place high-quality composite resin and porcelain dental fillings in to restore the health and integrity of your teeth with natural-looking results. We can also replace old, dark fillings with new white fillings for a smile makeover that will improve long-term oral health.
Composite Resin Fillings:
Composite fillings are made of resin and plastic material and are the most popular choice for dental fillings. This is because they can be color-matched to blend in with your natural teeth and are not as obvious as a metal filling. The downside is they do not last as long. They will need to be replaced in about five years although they can last longer if cared for properly.
Porcelain Fillings:
Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain, a durable and aesthetically appealing material. Even though they are more expensive than most other filling options, they are also tooth-colored and very stain-resistant. These are typically referred to as inlays or onlays and used when the damage or decay is more significant.
What To Expect:
The dental filling procedure is generally quick and produces minimal discomfort. If you experience dental anxiety, we can discuss the use of dental sedation for your treatment to make it relaxing and pain-free.
Our dentists will numb the area around the tooth being treated. Once you are comfortable, we will begin removing the decay from the tooth. We will make sure that the area is thoroughly cleaned for best results.
When the surface of the tooth is prepared, we will place the filling material. Once the composite material is in place, it will be sculpted to create a natural look and feel, blending with your tooth and smile.
The final step is to permanently cure the filling with a special light and polish it for a natural luster. The result is a tooth that has restored strength and protection from future damage or decay.