If you have a cavity, you’ll probably need a filling. Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by harmful bacteria that wear down your tooth enamel. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth and gums and harden into tartar. A dental filling at our Tulsa, OK dentist office can help save your tooth from further damage.
Fillings are a common treatment that fixes and restores teeth affected by decay. While traditional fillings use metal, we suggest white fillings for a more natural look. At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer same-day fillings to restore comfort and function to your tooth.
Do I Need a Dental Filling?
If you have a cavity, you’ll likely need a filling. Some common signs you need filling treatment include:
- Holes or pits in your teeth: These are clear signs of cavities. If you notice any small holes or dents in your teeth, it could mean the decay has started. Cavities can get larger and create more damage over time.
- Tooth sensitivity: You may feel pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet. Sensitivity happens when decay affects the inner part of the tooth. Once an infection reaches the inside of the tooth, it is more vulnerable to temperature changes.
- Dark spots on your teeth: Dark or discolored spots can be areas where tooth decay has set in. If you see these spots, call us as soon as possible to prevent further damage. They indicate that the enamel of your tooth is breaking down.
- Rough or uneven teeth: When decay sets in, it can make the surface of your teeth feel rough or uneven. This happens when parts of the tooth begin to break down. We can smooth out these spots with a filling.
If you notice any of these signs, contact our office right away. Early treatment can stop dental problems from getting worse.
What Happens if You Don’t Treat a Cavity?
If you don’t treat a cavity, it will keep growing until it reaches the nerves inside your tooth. This can cause intense pain and might lead to an infection. The decay can also spread to other teeth, creating more cavities and even causing tooth loss.
You can also develop a tooth abscess, a pocket of pus that develops near the tooth roots or between the tooth and gums. Leaving cavities untreated can also lead to gum disease, which can harm your teeth and overall oral health.
An untreated tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body. It can cause serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Inflammation from the infection can enter your bloodstream and affect your heart.
Because of these risks, we recommend contacting our office if you notice any changes in your teeth or gums.
The Benefits of Dental Fillings
Fillings provide many benefits to our patients. Tooth fillings:
Restore and Protect the Tooth
Fillings are designed to strengthen teeth weakened by cavities or damage. Filling in the decayed or cracked area prevents further decay and protects your tooth from future issues. Compared to crowns or implants, fillings are a conservative treatment.
They require only a small portion of the damaged tooth to be removed. You can keep more of your natural tooth intact.
Improve Function
A filling restores the function of your tooth, allowing you to chew, bite, and speak without pain or discomfort. By filling in a cavity, the tooth regains its normal shape, making it easier for you to eat a variety of foods and speak clearly. After you get your filling, you’ll notice that your tooth feels whole and healthy again.
Enhance Appearance
Tooth-colored fillings, like composite resin or ceramic, match the color of your natural teeth. They blend in seamlessly with your smile. Unlike silver or metal fillings, which can be noticeable, white fillings enhance your smile’s appearance and boost your confidence.
Provide Strength
Fillings are strong enough to withstand biting and chewing. While some materials, like silver amalgam, are particularly durable, tooth-colored fillings made from composite or ceramic can also hold up well, even on back teeth that handle more pressure. Our dentist will recommend the best material for your filling based on the tooth’s location and your specific needs.
Metal vs. White Fillings
Traditional fillings, often called metal or silver fillings, use materials like silver, mercury, tin, and copper. While these fillings are strong and work well for molars, they are very noticeable.
White fillings, on the other hand, use ceramic or composite materials. The cost of a filling depends on the material used and the number of fillings needed. Metal fillings are usually cheaper, but they come with some downsides.
We suggest composite fillings over metal ones for several reasons. First, metal fillings can make your teeth more sensitive. They are also very visible, even on the back teeth. Another concern is that metal fillings contain small amounts of mercury.
If you have an old or damaged metal filling, a dental professional must carefully remove it to avoid any risk of inhaling mercury. White fillings consist of safe materials that are also used in other treatments like crowns and inlays.
The Dental Filling Process in Tulsa, OK
Before starting the filling process, our dentist will take X-rays to check the extent of your tooth decay. If a cavity can be treated with a filling, we will begin the procedure.
First, Dr. Bridges will numb your tooth with local anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable. Then, he will remove the decayed part of the tooth and shape it to create space for the filling. Once your tooth is ready, Dr. Bridges will place the filling material in layers, hardening each layer with a special light.
After the filling is in place, Dr. Bridges will shape and polish the tooth to ensure it fits well with your bite and looks natural. Finally, he’ll check and adjust the filling as needed to make sure it fits properly and functions as it should.
Aftercare
To make sure your fillings last a long time, take good care of them. Good oral hygiene can help prevent decay around the edges of your fillings. Brush and floss your fillings just like you would your natural teeth. Floss before brushing to remove food particles between your teeth, then brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings are essential. We will check your fillings to make sure they are still fitting well.
Over time, you might need to replace your fillings if they become loose, cracked, or worn down. This can happen due to normal wear and tear from chewing or grinding your teeth. If this occurs, we can repair or replace the fillings as needed.
Will I Need a Dental Crown?
We might suggest a dental crown if you have a large filling or a weakened tooth. This could be necessary if your tooth is weakened due to decay or damage. Our office can make a tooth-colored crown that matches your natural teeth. A crown is a cap covering your tooth. It strengthens and protects your tooth from further damage or infection.
Save Your Teeth
Treat your tooth cavity today to prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Call for a dental filling in Tulsa, OK, at 918-347-1114 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges online. If you have questions about how to treat your cavity, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help you.