What You Should Know About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings rarely start with a patient that is looking for their teeth to get a filling, despite the fact that the gold fillings do look very snazzy. The reality is that most patients come in for a regularly scheduled checkup and we find that there are sufficient wear and tear. Thus, the tooth requires a filling to keep the tooth viable. Occasionally, although rare these days, will we get a patient who is young or lucky with great teeth and has no idea what a filling is or why it is necessary.

Dental Check-ups and Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a material that replaces damaged tooth enamel or a tooth that has a cavity. At other times, we will find what is known as a soft spot, where the enamel has almost given way to a cavity but not quite. We prefer to fill these as well since it is only a matter of time before the decay breaks through. Considering that a dental filling usually starts with an examination, we cannot stress enough the importance of coming in for regular checkups. The best rule of thumb is to try and make an appointment at least twice a year, which allows us to find things like soft spots or identify areas that have excessive plaque buildup. Regular appointments allows North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to help prevent these issues from damaging patient's teeth.

Taking care of a dental filling

The first thing we do with a filling is to numb the area around the tooth so that the patient does not feel any discomfort. We mainly use an application of local anesthetic directly into the gums to numb the mouth. Once the patient's mouth is numb, he or she will not feel any discomfort besides a little pressure as we work on the teeth. In order to make sure that we get rid of all the decay and that the decay has no chance of spreading or coming back, we will shave off all the portions of the tooth that have decay. While the dentist is removing this bad enamel, we will also take the opportunity to shape where the cavity had been so that it is a good shape for a filling. This will allow the filling itself to be more secure. From this point on, the tooth is ready to receive the filling. We will make any specific preparations to the patient's needs before placing the filling. A bonded filling, for example, we need to etch the tooth whereas some fillings require resin. If a resin is used, we apply it and then use the cool blue light to harden and strengthen it. [recent-blogs count=4 layout="horizontal" category="composite-fillings-cat,routine-dental-care-cat,routine-dental-procedures-cat,cosmetic-dental-care-cat,cosmetic-dental-services-cat,cosmetic-dentist-cat,dental-cosmetics-cat"]
Can Cavities Heal on Their Own Without Fillings?

Can Cavities Heal on Their Own Without Fillings?

TLDR; Cavities do not heal on their own once a hole forms in the enamel. Early-stage tooth decay, known as enamel demineralization, can be reversed with proper care such as fluoride treatment, diet changes, and improved oral hygiene. Once the enamel is broken, professional dental treatment is required to stop further damage. Understanding Tooth Decay: […]

What Happens If You Skip Dental Cleanings for a Year?

What Happens If You Skip Dental Cleanings for a Year?

TLDR; Skipping dental cleanings for a year allows plaque to harden into tartar, which leads to gum disease, cavities, and potential tooth loss. Missing your annual cleaning also increases your risk of enamel erosion, bad breath, and higher treatment costs in the future. Regular professional cleanings at Buford Dentist protect both your oral and overall […]

Do Night Guards Really Help TMJ? What You Should Know Before Buying One

Do Night Guards Really Help TMJ? What You Should Know Before Buying One

TLDR; Yes, night guards help relieve TMJ symptoms by reducing teeth grinding and clenching that strain the jaw joint. They cushion the bite, protect teeth from wear, and promote muscle relaxation, but effectiveness depends on getting a custom-fitted guard from a qualified dentist like Buford Dentist. Understanding TMJ and Why It Hurts The temporomandibular joint, […]

Are Veneers Worth It? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Are Veneers Worth It? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

TLDR; Veneers are worth it if you want a fast, lasting way to improve your smile, provided you choose a qualified dentist and understand the costs, upkeep, and limitations. They deliver dramatic cosmetic results but involve permanent changes to your teeth and are not suited for every dental situation. Understanding Veneers and Their Types Veneers […]

What’s the Difference Between a Regular Dental Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

What’s the Difference Between a Regular Dental Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

TLDR; A regular dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, removes plaque and tartar above the gumline to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to treat gum disease. The main difference is prevention versus treatment. Regular Dental Cleaning: Dental Prophylaxis […]

How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?

How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?

TLDR; Most people should schedule a dental cleaning every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Those with gum disease, high cavity risk, or other oral health concerns may need cleanings every three to four months, while individuals with excellent oral health could extend to once a year with a dentist’s approval. Why Dental […]

General Question

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast