Did you recently experience a cavity? Are you considering dental fillings to prevent further tooth decay? Our dental fillings in Flowood, MS, can help protect your teeth in the long run and provide immense relief from discomfort and pain caused by cavities.
At Lakeland Family Dentistry, we’ll help you gain and maintain a healthy and functional set of teeth. But what are the benefits of dental fillings, and why should they be an integral part of your dental care routine?
Restores Functionality
Dental fillings are a great way to restore the functionality of your teeth after a cavity. They help restore the tooth’s structural integrity, allowing it to function correctly. Fillings will enable you to chew and bite without pain or discomfort, making it easier to eat your favorite foods.
Prevents Further Decay
One of the most significant benefits of dental fillings is preventing further decay. Once we remove the decay, we place the filling in the cavity, which seals off the affected area and prevents more bacteria from entering and causing further decay.
Provides Comfort
Cavities can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Dental fillings can fix the issue and immediately relieve pain and discomfort. Once we fill the cavity, you can return to your regular routine without discomfort.
Long-Lasting Protection
Dental fillings are durable and long-lasting. Proper care and maintenance can last for 10-20 years. They offer excellent protection for your teeth and prevent further decay, saving you a lot of money on dental treatment in the long run.
Aesthetic Appeal
The materials used for dental fillings these days are tooth-colored, making them virtually invisible. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, and nobody can tell you have had dental work done. This is an excellent option if you want to improve your teeth’ aesthetics while maintaining their functionality.
How Do I Get Started?
The process is straightforward, and it involves vital steps that help in preserving the health of your teeth:
Step 1: Numbing the Affected Area
The first step before placing a dental filling is to numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. This will numb the surrounding tissue and ensure you feel little discomfort during the procedure.
Step 2: Removing the Decay
Once the area is numb, your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth using a high-speed drill or laser. Our team will carefully remove the decayed portion, leaving a healthy tooth structure behind. We will use a specialized tool to detect the extent of the decay, enabling us to remove all of it without compromising the tooth’s structure.
Step 3: Placing the Filling
After removing the damaged tissue, the dentist will prepare the area for the filling. The filling procedure will depend on your dental requirements and the location of the cavity. Once the filling material is selected, your dentist places it onto the prepared tooth surface, shaping it to your tooth’s contour.
Step 4: Curing the Filling Material
After placing and shaping the filling material, your dentist will use a specialized curing light to harden it. The light activates the chemically curing components of the filling material, bonding it to the tooth and ensuring durability.
Step 5: Final Polishing of the Filling
Finally, your dentist will polish the filling to ensure that your bite feels comfortable and that the filling does not cause any discomfort. Your dentist will check your bite and ensure that the surface and shape of the filling are even with the surrounding teeth.
Dental Fillings in Flowood, MS
Dental fillings provide an excellent way to maintain your oral health and hygiene. They offer numerous benefits, including restoring functionality, preventing further decay, and providing comfort, long-lasting protection, and aesthetic appeal.
Lakeland Family Dentistry offers many quality dentistry services, including dental fillings, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, to help you achieve your oral health goals. If you have a concern, contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. David Henry, Dr. Stephen Greer, and Dr. Chris Carlton. Let us know how we can help you!