Don’t Fear Your Fillings

Even when you’re diligent with your dental hygiene, cavities can happen. Dental fillings, an often necessary part of dental care for both children and adults, can help. No one enjoys hearing that they need a dental filling, but this easy, quick procedure can save your natural tooth from further damage and decay.

Here at Parkside Dental, we’re happy to offer white fillings that include new resin compounds that mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel. Our trusted dentists are able to save as much healthy tooth structure as possible while achieving the best look for your smile. If you think you might need a filling, read on to learn more about all the benefits of tooth-colored fillings at our Westland office.

What Is a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are restorative treatments used to preserve the function and shape of teeth that have been affected by tooth decay (cavities) or external trauma. Fillings, in some form, have been around for thousands of years, and thanks to modern technology, they’re simpler and more effective than ever.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth enamel. This can lead to a small hole in the tooth, which is what we call a cavity. More severe decay can cause a large hole or even destruction of the entire tooth, which is what we try to prevent further damage with dental fillings.

Cavities can happen to anyone, and they happen to patients of all ages. However, brushing and flossing properly, rinsing your mouth after meals, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help you prevent them.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings

Our tooth-colored fillings are made from resin, while traditional dental fillings were often made from amalgam, a mixture of metals. Amalgams lack natural aesthetics, so it was always very obvious when someone had gotten a filling. The metals could also cause an allergic reaction, leading to swollen gums, painful sores in the mouth, and reactions throughout the body.

While some dentists do still use amalgam for fillings, many dentists are opting for white fillings instead. Some of their top benefits include:

Saves more of your natural tooth enamel
Matches the color and shade of your teeth so they won’t be obvious
Strong and long-lasting
Made from safe, non-toxic materials
Little to no sensitivity after the procedure
Easily repairable

Our dentists are always happy to discuss your options with you and explain why we offer white fillings to our patients. Call our office at (734) 261-6060 and we’ll set you up with a consultation with our team.

The Dental Fillings Process

Getting a dental filling is a very quick and easy process that can be done in a single visit. The procedure is as follows:

First, your gums and teeth will be numbed with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling to ensure you don’t feel any pain. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged part of your tooth will be removed to make room for your new tooth-colored filling. The resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light. Finally, the new filling will be shaped and polished and your procedure is complete.

Your local anesthetic will wear off shortly, and you should be able to resume your normal schedule fairly quickly. Our team will go over after-care instructions with you at the time of your filling.